Book Review: Front Desk

Author: Kelly Yang

Title: Front Desk 
Genre: Historical and Contemporary Fiction 

Middle-Grade 
Number of Pages: 298

Plot Summary: Mia keeps a lot of secrets from those around her. First of all, she lives in a motel and not a big house. Every day, while her parents clean the rooms at the Calavista Motel, she manages the front desk. Her parents have been hiding immigrants at the hotel and letting them stay for free. If their boss, Mr. Yao finds out they will be toast. Mia wants to be a writer but her mom thinks she should stick to math, can she prove her wrong? Can she prove that she can be just as good at English as the other kids? Will Mia be able to handle it all? 

My Verdict: This was such a great book to listen to. Mia is such a hardworking young girl and this book explores so many issues. She is determined to become the best writer she can be and help her parents with the motel even though they are being exploited by the owner. If you haven't read this book or anything by Kelly Yang yet, I highly suggest it. She is an awesome advocate online too for teachers and librarians! 

Subject Headings: 

 

Exploitation -- Fiction
Immigrants -- Fiction
Chinese Americans -- Fiction
Hotels, motels, etc. -- Fiction
Self-confidence -- Fiction
Friendship -- Fiction

Similar Authors: 

Thanhha Lai 

Erin Entrada Kelly 

Lyla Lee