Kelly Yang's Room to Dream has been praised for its relatable characters and insightful exploration of immigrant experiences. Fans celebrate the book's engaging narrative and authentic portrayal of family dynamics. However, some critics feel it occasionally relies on predictable plotlines. Overall, its heartfelt themes and positive representation of Asian American life are widely appreciated.

Readers who enjoy Room to Dream by Kelly Yang are typically middle grade students who appreciate heartwarming, coming-of-age stories exploring themes of family, friendship, and cultural identity. Fans of Front Desk by the same author or Wonder by R.J. Palacio would likely find this book appealing.

In the 1990s, 12-year-old Mia Tang travels from Anaheim, California, to Beijing, China, where she rekindles family connections and navigates cultural changes. Returning home, she faces challenges such as gentrification and family financial struggles while aspiring to be a writer. Room to Dream explores themes like racism, sexism, and xenophobia, capturing societal changes of the era.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful / Playful / Emotional

**Mia Tang**  
A determined twelve-year-old girl living in a motel in Anaheim, California, who dreams of becoming a published writer despite numerous rejections. She is known for her perseverance and her willingness to stand up for what is right.

**Lupe Garcia**  
Mia's best friend and fellow front desk worker at the Calivista motel, who is dedicated to her studies and aspires to be the first in her family to pursue higher education.

**Jason Yao**  
A Chinese student and Mia's friend who aspires to be a famous chef. His journey involves learning to manage his feelings and improve his relationships.

**Hank**  
The marketing director and skilled burger cook at the Calivista, who offers wisdom from his experiences facing discrimination and provides Mia with guidance.

**Da-Shawn Wallace**  
A talented writer in Mia's class who starts as her group project partner and becomes a supportive friend.

**Mom (Mia's Mother)**  
A kind and intelligent woman who dreams of being a teacher, learning alongside Mia the importance of opening up to others about challenges.

**Dad (Mia's Father)**  
An owner and professional cleaner at the Calivista motel, who grapples with societal perceptions but ultimately seeks to understand his own value.

**Shen**  
Mia's cousin who lives in China and shares a close bond with her, providing encouragement and symbolizing familial connections across distances.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Room to Dream reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Room to Dream

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Overview

Get ready to explore Room to Dream and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Room to Dream Summary and Study Guide

Background

Room to Dream Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

Room to Dream Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

Room to Dream Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

Room to Dream Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

Room to Dream Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-50

Room to Dream Chapters 41-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-58

Room to Dream Chapters 51-58 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Room to Dream Character Analysis

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Themes

Room to Dream Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Room to Dream Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Room to Dream Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Room to Dream Essay Topics

 Kelly Yang

Middle grade

Novel

Front Desk

Fiction

Guide

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Room to Dream

Book Brief

Room to Dream

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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