by Maisie Chan
 
By the 2022 Branford Boase winner, Maisie Chan, for Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths (also on our website). 12-yar-old Lizzie and her 'parent', Wai Gong (gramps), are left reeling when beloved Grandma Kam dies. Committed Strictly Come Dancing fans, Grandma's last birthday gift to Lizzie, for her 12th birthday, is 4 tickets to Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the place where she first met her future husband. Lizzie is determined to make that trip happen but Wai Gong seems more confused by the day, money is extremely tight and Lizzie first needs to learn how to do the cha cha...!

Set in Glasgow, this is a touching story of grief, family and friendship, propelled by an intrepid Journey-to-the-West (Blackpool) road trip. A diverse cast includes Scottish-Chinese protagonist, Lizzie, and best mates, Chi who is Welsh Vietnamese and Tyler, a boy of colour adopted by two dads. Dashes of Chinese mythology reach their height with Chi's dressing up as Chinese-Buddhist goddess Guan Yin or, as she describes her star turn, "Princess Leia with a side of Michelle Obama". Everywhere there is a strong Strictly vibe, And, in amongst all of this, are some salient points about bereavement, dementia, life as a young carer, racism, class and poverty. As always, Chan gives us substance with the lightest of touches- and plenty of gentle humour. "This beautifully struck the balance of early dementia which includes periods of confusion and also periods of pure joy" (Sylvia, former Children's Social Work Director, Letterbox Library reviewer). Dedicated by the author to "all the young carers in the world." Age 9-12, Paperback 214pp
 
Themes: Mental Health and Wellbeing    Themes: LGBTQ+