In this debut middle-grade novel, 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. But then a bully at school starts teasing Maxine for her Chinese heritage, leaving her stunned and speechless. And at the rink, she finds herself up against a stellar new skater named Hollie, whose grace and skill threaten to edge Maxine out of the competition. With everything she knows on uneven ice, will Maxine crash under the pressure? Or can she power her way to a comeback? 

Set in Lake Placid, New York, this is a spunky yet stirring middle-grade story that examines racism, female rivalry and friendship, and the enduring and universal necessity of love and support.

*Now with an introduction by Olympic Bronze Medalist, Mirai Nagasu*

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Praise for The Comeback: 

A Junior Library Guild Selection 

An Evanston Public Library Best Book of 2021

“With fast-paced prose and an ear for authentic dialogue, Shen brings big emotions and ideas to the hyper-focused world of the obsessive skater. Shen has created a high-spirited character worth cheering for.” —The New York Times 

"On-ice excitement and a fierce-but-vulnerable protagonist make this a winner.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Fast-paced chapters filled with competition, friendship, and inspiration make this a worthy addition to any middle-grade collection.” ―Booklist, starred review

“This one is a total winner.” —Barbara O’Connor, New York Times-bestselling author of Wish

“I soared through the prose and the story, loving every minute of Maxine’s journey as a competitive ice skater.” —Ellen Oh, author of the Spirit Hunters series and The Dragon Egg Princess

“A story deserving of a gold medal!” —Debbi Michiko Florence, author of the Jasmine Toguchi series and Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

“A delightful debut that offers young people—especially young girls—a strong model of what it looks like to take risks and dare to be great.” —Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like Me