The Comeback

Ages 8 to 12

A heartfelt #OwnVoices middle-grade debut about a young girl trying to be a champ—on the ice and in her life.

Twelve-year-old Maxine Chen is just trying to nail that perfect landing: on the ice, in middle school, and at home, where her parents worry that competitive skating is too much pressure for a budding tween. Maxine isn’t concerned, however—she’s determined to glide to victory. That is, until she finds herself in competition with Hollie, a gifted new skater, and is getting teased by a bully at school for her Chinese heritage. With her world akilter, will Maxine crash under the pressure? Or can she make a comeback? Set in Lake Placid, New York, this is a spunky yet stirring story that examines racism, female rivalry and friendship, and the enduring and universal necessity of love and support.

About the Author

E. L. Shen is a writer, editor, and former figure skater. Her childhood skating career was not nearly as prolific as Maxine's, but her personality is just as fiery. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College of Columbia University, where she majored in English with a concentration in creative writing. Originally from upstate New York, she currently resides in Manhattan. Find her on Twitter at @ELShenWrites or online at elshenwrites.com.