45 pages • 1 hour read
Front Desk
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
California • 1990s
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
640L
Super Short Summary
Front Desk by Kelly Yang follows 10-year-old Mia Tang, a Chinese immigrant in 1990s California, as she helps her parents manage a motel in Anaheim and confronts the harsh realities of immigrant life, including exploitation and racial intolerance, while dreaming of owning a motel and improving her family's circumstances through her writing. The book addresses themes of discrimination and economic hardship.
Inspirational
Emotional
Heartwarming
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
43,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Front Desk by Kelly Yang has been praised for its heartfelt portrayal of an immigrant family's struggles through the eyes of a young protagonist, Mia. Readers appreciate its themes of resilience, family bonds, and social justice. However, some critique the simplistic narrative style. Overall, the novel is considered inspiring and educational, making it a valuable read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Front Desk?
Readers who enjoy Front Desk by Kelly Yang are typically young adults interested in diverse, heartwarming narratives involving immigrant experiences and the quest for belonging. Fans of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai will find a similar blend of resilience and cultural exploration appealing in this novel.
43,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mia’s Family
Mia’s Family
Hardworking immigrant parents managing the Calivista Motel. Mia’s father is a gentle dreamer who collects flawed pennies, while her mother, a practical former engineer, emphasizes math over writing.
Mr. Yao
Mr. Yao
The tightfisted and exploitative owner of the Calivista Motel. He financially takes advantage of his employees and tries to instill his judgmental views in his son, Jason.
Jason Yao
Jason Yao
Mr. Yao’s son and Mia’s classmate, initially rude to Mia but later reveals his feelings for her. His attitude changes over time, playing a crucial role in Mia’s family life.
Hank Caleb
Hank Caleb
A middle-aged African American tenant at the Calivista Motel who becomes part of Mia’s extended family. He supports Mia in her endeavors and overcomes his own life challenges with her help.
Lupe Garcia
Lupe Garcia
A 10-year-old Mexican girl and Mia’s best friend at school. They bond over their immigrant backgrounds and financial struggles. Lupe encourages Mia’s pursuit of writing.
304
Novel • Fiction
California • 1990s
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
640L
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