Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu

by Maisie Chan

Twelve-year-old Lizzie Chu lives in Glasgow with her grandad Wai Gong, and he's been acting a little strange lately. He is becoming forgetful, and spends a lot of time talking to his statue of Guan Yin - the Chinese goddess of compassion, kindness and mercy.

Lizzie is worried about Wai Gong, but doesn't really know what to do to help him. She's already got a lot on her plate with caring for him, doing the shopping and everything else on top of schoolwork and the usual trials of being twelve!

Then Lizzie comes up with a madcap plan. She's going to take Wai Gong on the trip of a lifetime, to Blackpool - to the Tower Ballroom, where he always longed to go, to dance with his late wife Grandma Kam. To rekindle that love for dancing and to see if Wai Gong can find his mojo again. The only problem is - just how on earth is she going to get him there?

With a little help from her friends Chi and Tyler, some ingenious costumes and an older brother with a beat-up Mini, Lizzie might just make it - and maybe she will be able to help Wai Gong get better after all?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Family, Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Words matter"

This book smashes together Glasgow and Chinese culture - so many different issues are touched upon: racism, growing up, responsibility, poverty, being a young Carer...all dealt with sensitively and with understanding via incredible characters.

Lizzie journeys to Blackpool with her friends and Wai Gong. Her Grandma Kam had left them tickets before she died and Lizzie is determined that this is the trip that will fix Wai Gong's grief. Lizzie is a really special character who has had to grow up quickly.

I especially love that hints of popular culture which brings the story to the present day - contrasting with the storytelling as we learn about the goddess Guan Yin.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Lizzie lives in Glasgow, Scotland, with her grandfather, Wai Gong. Her grandmother passed away after battling cancer, and her grandfather, while still fairly young (late 60s) has struggled with taking care of Lizzie. She has taken on grocery shopping and cooking, and generally making sure that her grandfather is taken care of. Her teachers have noticed, but Wai Gong doesn't want to go to school to talk to her teachers. They even ask Lizzie is she needs help, but she tells them she does not. Wai Gong is becoming increasingly confused, losing things and forgetting dates, and has been unable to keep a job, so Lizzie certainly could use some help. After forgetting her birthday, Wai Gong does find a card that her grandmother left for her. In it are four tickets to the Blackpool Towers Ballroom, where she and the grandfather had always wanted to go, since they met in a ballroom. There are a lot of logistical hurdles to conquer, like getting to the venue, but Lizzie is determined that if she can get her grandfather there, he will be better. She manages to get her best friend Chi's brother to drive them, since he needs a topic for a documentary he is filming. Wai Gong is willing to go because he thinks that Chi, dressed as Princess Leia for a local Comic Con, is really the goddess Gaun Yin. He had accidentally broken a statue of the goddess, and thinks that his bad luck was caused by that. Chi's family is supportive of the trip, as are friend Tyler's fathers, so the groups sets out. The trip is full of problems, but there is help along the way, and the group makes it to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, only to find their tickets were for the previous day. Will Lizzie be able to make her grandfather's dreams come true?
Strengths: This was an upbeat, adventurous novel that also dealt with issues of grief, and problems surrounding older people. Lizzie does a good job of keeping things together on her own, but its good to see that help is available to her. Chi's parents are a lot of fun, between their vegan birthday "cakes" and insistance on doing yoga! Wai Gong's problems are fairly noticeable, but young readers, like Lizzie, might attribute them to his grief over the grandmother's death. The trip from Glasgow to Blackpool has many problems, but is depicted in a fun way, with trips to an amusement park that delay the group a bit. There's a good dose of Chinese culture and legend that added a lot to the story.
Weaknesses: This was particularly UK in many aspects, especially in the freedom to travel around as well as the very Jacqueline Wilson-esque problems of care that Lizzie faces. I did love the notes at the end where the author talks about young carers and her own experiences with that.
What I really think: I would have saved up my babysitting money to buy my own copy of this when I was in middle school, and now I just really, really want to go to Blackpool. I'm not sure that my students even know what the US version of Strictly Come Dancing is, and doubt that it would hold much interest for my readers. I'm really tempted to buy it, and definitely would for an elementary library.

[Jess (GJ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Piccadilly Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You ever have that moment where you read a book and you realize you might have bit off more than you can chew? That the book will destroy you emotionally and grab the tissue now? Yeah, I hit that moment at the end of the first chapter and I understood Lizzie and Wai Gong's situation.

I just wanted to swaddle Lizzie in the softest blanket. Lizzie has taken on so much weight and responsibility for someone so young and the sheer amount of times I wanted to reach into the book to help her. Thankfully, her friends, Tyler and Chi were the perfect balance for her: Tyler the calm rational voice and Chi, the borderline reckless and outspoken protector. (BTW, I will not stand for any Chi slander! She's great.)

And while I feel like the lesson Chan might have been going for is "The journey is more important than the destination", I came away from it with the lesson of "Being vulnerable and asking for help is strength". After the past 4 years we've had, asking for help and being open with people is a lesson we can forget sometimes.

As a WOC, I know I have the bad habit of trying to shoulder too much and seeing young Lizzie do the same just hit me really hard. I hope other people who see themselves in Lizzie can learn to ask for help and be open to the possibilities the universe gives you.

I also liked the nods to Journey to the West. I only have a surface-level knowledge of it (Thanks, OSP videos!) but I enjoyed thinking about who of our gang matched the original story's characters.

Admittedly, I read this at a difficult time so I couldn't really enjoy the book as much as I wanted. The pacing felt a little off but I'm not sure if that was a me thing or if other people felt the same.

I give this 4 stars.



TW: Offscreen death, dementia, brief descriptions of racism

[Tully the fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25 stars but thought I’d round it up. This book was beautiful BUT it did feel like an ARC copy for some reason? There was occasionally spelling errors, weird punctuation and words missing which I honestly don’t mind at all, I’m a terrible speller so you know, can’t judge, but it did kind of pull you out of the experience a bit. Other then that, a cute little middle grade book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie Chan has written such a heartwarming story about a grandfather, grandchild relationship! In the midst of grief, they learn to lean on each other and bond over their love of a dancing show. There is a supportive friend group, along with an adventure and culture wound into this story. Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams Kids! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s just Lizzie and her grandfather Wai Gong living in Glasgow, Scotland since her grandmother died. It’s also just Lizzie who looks after things like buying groceries and doing laundry and cooking meals because Wai Gong just hasn’t been the same of late. When Wai Gong only belatedly remembers Lizzie’s birthday and the present her grandmother left for her, she sees a way to help Wai Gong. Lizzie and her grandparents had a shared love for watching Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday nights and her grandparents always talked about how they met on the dance floor. Lizzie’s birthday present is tickets to England’s Blackpool Tower Ballroom. With help from a Goddess (Lizzie’s cosplaying friend), a female biker gang, and friends Lizzie hatches a plan to get Wai Gong to Blackpool. This is a poignant story about the child becoming the caregiver and perfect for middle grade readers.

[Yve Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book about loss, love, the importance of friendship and trying to find joy and happiness whilst accepting and sometimes hopefully overcoming the drudgery and difficulties that get in the way of life. I thought that the 12 year olds were exceptionally mature for their age, but I suppose if they weren't it would have made for tedious reading. A well written young adult book, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school so I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more if it was for pleasure. The storyline was quite boring but the messages were very heartwarming. The book got good within the last 100 pages and from there I think it was a great book. I really enjoyed the characters (at times) and think it was overall a very sweet book.

[Shannon (That's So Poe) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The themes of this book, especially about dementia and being a young carer, are really great. The book is a little sadder than I was expecting, though, and also got strangely wacky at times. Even so, especially if you love Strictly Come Dancing, this is worth giving a try.

Content Warnings:
death of a family member, dementia

[Freddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, thanks for making my kids laugh at me for crying while reading their bedtime story!

A great, uplifting and positive story about friendship and family and the best sausage sandwiches in Lancashire. Deeply moving. Both my 10 and 7 year olds enjoyed this.

[Hana Moncrieff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 🤩

I got this from my godmother Kirsten I really love it I feel the story is about Lizzie she is doing so much for wai gong she is forgetting about herself, she was upset about her birthday and how wai gong forgot but soon she relived it was something bigger….

[Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have spent the morning greetin at this. This would be a great book to read with my pupils as it is full of adventure and friendship but also covers big topics like racism and being a young carer.

(Editor needs sacked though as there were some words missing and blatant errors.)

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Poignant story about grief, dementia and young caregivers

[Elsie Tufts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I gave it 4 stars as I did feel like it went on and on. It was a good ending though.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this so I could write questions for my interview with Maisie (coming soon to a blog near you!) and it has some gorgeous incidental rep as one of the main characters has two dads, which is why it’s in this post. So first up, I think incidental rep such as this is super important because it normalises a different kind of family and hopefully leads to children becoming more empathetic and inclusive. It follows a young carer named Lizzie, whose grandmother has recently died, who is now looking after her grandfather as he hasn’t been himself lately. She wants to help Wai Gong get back to his old self, so decides a trip to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool (which is special to him because of his past and also his present day love of Strictly Come Dancing) is the best thing she can do for him, despite the logistical challenges of organising it. Lizzie is such a wonderful, kind character and I adored her straight away, her friends/their families were so supportive and understanding of her situation, and I loved the people they meet along the way on their road trip. All the Strictly references made my heart happy, and I just think Maisie Chan blends humour and slight heartbreak so well in this book. And yes, I did cry at the end if you’re wondering!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel bereft with Strictly behind us for another year and the glitter ball trophy handed out, you can read Lizzie Chu and keep hold of a little bit of that Strictly magic!

Of course this book is a beautiful read any time of year. It follows young carer Lizzie as she faces the triple challenge of mourning the death of her Grandma, taking care of their household in her absence and understanding that her Wai Gong’s odd behaviour may be caused by more than just grief.

But while those challenges are heavy, the book deals with them with a wonderful lightness that incorporates pop culture at ComicCon, kindly Hells Angels and a ballroom dancing finale in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom that will make every Strictly fan glow with affection. Highly recommended.

[Camilla Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to be friends with Lizzie. She’s so kind, thoughtful and caring.

This book is a lovely, heartfelt story with a young carer at the heart of everything, trying to do something very special for someone she loves but is loosing to dementia.

I loved that it represents different cultures, races and backgrounds, telling myths and legends and entwining them into every day life in Glasgow. I love that despite the obvious hardship, Lizzie is surrounded by love and compassion.

It’s the perfect book to raise empathy and understanding.

Loved it!

[Wynee Igel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author did a good job of making the thoughts and actions believable for the age of the character. She also included some Chinese cultural aspects. As an adult it was pretty clear to me that the grandfather was having an issue. I wondered how realistic it was that the 12-year-old could hide how much she was doing to take care of the household - maybe. This adventure that she and her friends go on to get Lizzie and her grandfather to have one last dance at the ballroom was realistic and amazing. It was fun and funny with some serious undertones.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! Really enjoyed the storytelling, loved the characters - very touching story. Loved the gentle interweaving of the different cultures and lifestyles.

Would recommend for year 5/6+

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun, seemingly lighthearted middle grade has some serious themes, including the plight of young carers, grief, accepting help and dealing with a relative’s dementia, but the strongest feeling I got from it was the importance of having loving bonds with family and friends.

[Richelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story, however I found myself a bit distracted with the way it came together. I lost focus in parts. It is hard to explain exactly why. The historical/cultural pieces were vital and important for others to understand where the characters are coming from.

[Lisa Friel · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of Comicon and Strictly!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this, though I appreciate that it tackles the serious topic of "what do you do when the person who takes care of you can't anymore?"

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cute but the anti-vegan stuff was weird and stupid.

[Amani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun time!!