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andee_zomerman 's review for:

The Comeback by E.L. Shen
4.0

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for review.

How refreshing to read a middle grade novel that doesn't dumb down emotions or racial profiling and can still be hopeful and informative. To have a strong female protagonist with flaws is a bonus.

Maxine skates and has her eye on an Olympic medal. She'll take a while to get there, so in the meantime, she practices hard, keeps up her school work, and deals with lost friendships and school bullies.

When she meets Hollie, a new skater in town who is almost perfect, Maxine is not looking for a friend. Who is this superstar here to compete?

When Maxine gets to know Hollie, she finds a friend. And while Maxine's parents throw every extra dollar at costumes and coaching, they still know there is more to life than at the rink. Hollie's mom is pushing for the best of the best, even if that means homeschooling to be on the rink more.

Not only a story in racism and school bullies, it's also a story of perseverance and learning the grass is not always greener in the other yard.

Recommend for grades 3 and up.