Front desk

Description

Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secrets.Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

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Also in this Series

  • Front desk (Front desk Volume 1) Cover
  • Three keys (Front desk Volume 2) Cover
  • Room to dream (Front desk Volume 3) Cover
  • Key player (Front desk Volume 4) Cover
  • Top story (Front desk Volume 5) Cover
  • Chef's Secret (Front Desk #6) (Front desk Volume 6) Cover

Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Readers looking for character-driven series about immigrant experiences in America will enjoy meeting Amina and Mia (Front Desk). While Mia is more outgoing and Amina is shy, both girls support their families in the face of racism. -- NoveList Contributor
These series are issue-oriented reads that don't shy away from tough topics such as anti-Asian racism (Front Desk) and mass incarceration (Zoe Washington). Readers follow endearing girls of color as they navigate middle school, creative ambitions, and family business endeavors. -- Basia Wilson
These series follow the middle school adventures of likeable immigrant girls from Egypt (Magical Reality) and China (Front Desk). Magical Reality incorporates fantasy elements inspired by the main character's Egyptian heritage, while Front Desk is firmly planted in reality. -- Basia Wilson
The likeable girls of these character-driven series adjust to changes after relocating with family, sometimes facing discrimination due to race (Front Desk) or disability (Cactus). Front Desk is set in the 1990s, while Cactus has a contemporary setting. -- Basia Wilson
These series have the appeal factors character-driven and own voices, and they have the subjects "friendship," "east asian people," and "asian people"; include the identity "asian"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors own voices and first person narratives, and they have the subjects "friendship," "east asian people," and "asian people"; include the identity "asian"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors own voices, and they have the genre "historical fiction"; the subjects "immigrants, chinese," "chinese people in the united states," and "east asian people"; include the identity "asian"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors angst-filled and own voices, and they have the subjects "east asian people," "asian people," and "chinese people"; include the identity "asian"; and characters that are "likeable characters," "sympathetic characters," and "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors own voices, and they have the subjects "friendship," "east asian people," and "asian people"; include the identity "asian"; and characters that are "likeable characters," "sympathetic characters," and "authentic characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Smart, activist kids fight oppression in both issue-oriented reads. Front Desk is historical fiction set in the early 1990s; Attack of the Black Rectangles is contemporary. -- Autumn Winters
Each of these thought-provoking realistic books follows immigrant children as they try to find their place in the world. While the children in Nowhere face unexpected violence and hate, Front Desk's protagonist grapples with poverty and racism. -- Jennie Stevens
The immigrant experience is told through the eyes of relatable girls trying to find their place in America, while helping their family business in these character-driven realistic stories. Mia's (Desk) parents manage a hotel; Stef's parents own a taco truck. -- Lisa Clark
In issue-oriented, character-driven novels set in Southern California during earlier times, likable and enterprising tweens have summer adventures both lighthearted and serious. Each girl strives to help family and friends against a backdrop of personal and societal challenges. -- NoveList Advisor
While Parachute Kids is a graphic novel and Front Desk is in prose, both are character-driven and feature tweens adjusting to a new country; Parachute Kids is set in the 1980s, while Front Desk takes place in the 1990s. -- Ari Nussbaum
Spirited, entrepreneurial girls take on work to help their families through tough times in these heartfelt novels. Mia (Desk) works the front desk at her family's motel in the 1990s; Griselda enters a sales contest in the modern-day Face. -- NoveList Contributor
Recent immigrant girls step up to help their families in these feel-good own-voices stories. Taiwanese immigrant Cici (Measuring) enters a cooking competition to win money so her grandmother can visit; Chinese immigrant Mia (Desk) helps her parents run a motel. -- NoveList Contributor
Although Front Desk is set in California and Ahmed Aziz in Minnesota, both feel-good stories about kids who find inspiration at school to help their families at home share a strong sense of place. -- Tirzah Price
In these lively, own voices novels with a strong sense of place (Magnolia Wu's New York City; Front Desk's Southern California), likeable Asian girls from immigrant families work, make friends, and have adventures even as they confront racism. -- NoveList Advisor
Though these moving stories are set a world apart (Front Desk is in California; Everlasting Nora in the Philippines), both are realistic, own voices books starring culturally diverse girls who continue to hope amidst their families' overwhelming poverty. -- Angela Davis
Spirited, hard working girls star in these thoughtful, issue-oriented, own voices novels. With a focus on family and friendship, Front Desk's Chinese immigrant Mia deals with poverty and bigotry; Black Zoe copes with the aftermath of her father's incarceration. -- NoveList Advisor
Both books feature culturally diverse teen girls tackling social issues, racism, and tough topics in a sensitive way. Both girls stand up for their families and come into their own through the power of writing. -- Sarah Bean Thompson

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Thanhha Lai and Kelly Yang write moving own voices books for older kids, usually about the challenges faced by immigrants. Both draw from their own experiences; Lai (who also writes teen books) fled Vietnam during the war, and Yang immigrated from China as a kid. -- Stephen Ashley
In their work for middle-grade readers, both Kelly Yang and Erin Entrada Kelly write quiet, introspective, and leisurely paced novels featuring Asian-American characters. Oftentimes, their shy characters face the challenge of making new friends and finding their voices. -- Sarah Bean Thompson
Ann M. Martin and Kelly Yang write realistic novels for middle graders that focus on family dynamics, making friends, and fitting in. Both award-winning authors also bring attention to social issues like racism. -- Linda Ludke
These authors' works have the subjects "east asian people," "chinese people," and "chinese americans."
These authors' works have the subjects "east asian people," "asian people," and "ten-year-old girls"; and include the identity "asian."
These authors' works have the subjects "immigrant families," "immigrants, chinese," and "east asian people."
These authors' works have the subjects "immigrant families," "chinese americans," and "chinese american families."
These authors' works have the subjects "immigrant families," "ten-year-old girls," and "chinese american children."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Set in the early 1990s in Anaheim, California, this earnest debut is partially inspired by the author's childhood. When Mia Tang's parents find a new job managing the Calivista motel, it seems like the answer to their prayers: free housing and a stable, secure job, neither of which have come easy to the recent Chinese immigrants. Fifth-grader Mia takes pride in working the front desk and becomes fast friends with the weeklies, for whom the motel is a semipermanent residence. But the motel's owner, Mr. Yao, is beyond mean he's flat out racist so Mia enters a writing contest to win their very own motel. It's the details that sing in this novel, particularly the small moments that feel like everything when you're a kid: winning (or not) the beloved classroom object, having your prized possession stolen, or being hurt by a parent's words. When Mia's mother says, You're a bicycle and the other kids are cars, meaning Mia's English will never be as good as a native speaker's, it's a crushing and lingering blow, especially for a budding writer. This book will help foster empathy for the immigrant experience for young readers, while for immigrant children, it is a much-needed and validating mirror. Though some of the events toward the end may stretch believability in an otherwise realistic novel, there is plenty to appreciate and admire. Deserving of shelf space in every classroom and library.--Barnes, Jennifer Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Yang draws effectively on her own childhood in this lively debut, which offers a candid portrait of one Chinese-American immigrant experience through the eyes of a gutsy, empathetic 10-year-old. In 1993, when Mia Tang's parents become managers of a California motel, she envisions bright times ahead: the motel has a pool, and Disneyland is just down the road. But the mean-spirited motel owner bans her from the pool and cheats her parents out of money they deserve, keeping Disneyland far out of reach. While her parents work tirelessly, Mia takes charge of the front desk-and much more. Believing that "sometimes, you have to... be creative to get what you want," and flouting her mother's repeated assertion that Mia's English will never be as proficient as native-born Americans', she writes letters-creatively forged-to aid others, including an African-American victimized by racial profiling and a Chinese immigrant abused by his boss. Mia's story is one of indefatigable hope and of triumph over injustice, and her voice is genuine and inspiring. Ages 8-12. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-Mia Tang and her parents expected to work hard when they came to the United States, but they had no idea how difficult things would be. After a year or two struggling to make ends meet, they find themselves managing a motel for a cruel and exploitive owner. The work is exhausting and the problems are many, but the Tangs approach their new responsibility with determination, creativity, and compassion, making friends everywhere and sheltering a trickle of immigrants in worse straits than themselves. Ten-year-old Mia takes over the front desk, and makes it her own, while dreaming of a future as a writer. Based on Yang's own experiences as a new immigrant in the 1980s and 1990s, her novel speaks openly of hardship, poverty, assault, racism, and bullying, but keeps a light, positive tone throughout. Mia herself is an irresistible protagonist, and it is a pleasure to see both her writing and her power grow through a series of letters that she sends to remedy injustices. The hefty and satisfying dose of wish fulfillment that closes the story feels fully earned by the specificity and detailed warmth of Yang's setup. Many young readers will see themselves in Mia and her friends. -VERDICT A swiftly moving plot and a winsome protagonist make this a first purchase for any collection, especially where realistic fiction is in demand.-Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

Mia Tang, a resourceful and indomitable ten-year-old, takes on front desk duties at the Calivista Motel, where her parents are managers and 24/7 workers. Having been in the States (from China) for only two years, Mias parents are thrilled to have this job after losing their old restaurant jobs and apartment and needing to live in their car. However, the familys grand dream of a free and prosperous life seems farther away than ever when a series of nightmarish events strikes. The washing machine breaks down. A customers car is stolen. Mias mother is beaten by robbers. And what will happen to the Tang family if Mr. Yao, the miserly motel owner, finds out that Mias parents also have been secretly sheltering recent immigrants? Mias gradual understanding of racism and prejudice in America and her subsequent activism are at the heart of this triumphant tale. Readers will admire Mia for her audacity and her creativity in finding solutions for seemingly insurmountable situations. Drawing largely on her personal experiences, Yang threads both comedy and social issues through Mias relatable and entertaining storyline from a few decades ago (the 1990s) and makes it relevant to 2018 America. roxanne hsu feldman (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Through the story of fifth-grader Mia Tang, readers experience the courage, hard work, and dreams of a young Chinese immigrant. A small room behind the office of the Calivista Motel is home for Mia and her parents. Hired by the rich, coal-hearted Mr. Yao, the family works bone-numbing hours cleaning rooms, fixing problems, and managing the front desk. Troubles check in from every direction: at home, where her mom belittles her love of writing; at school, where bullies and lies surround her; and especially at the motel, where the family battles financial ruin. Yet along the seemingly endless roller coaster of poverty, hope appears in small places. Debut author Yang weaves in autobiographical content while creating a feisty and empowered heroine. The supporting characters are rich in voice and context, with multiple villains and friends that achingly reveal life in America in the 1990s for persons of color and those living in poverty. Heavy themes, including extortion, fraud, and racism, are balanced with the nave dreams and determination of a 10-year-old. The power of Mia's newfound skill in English pushes her to fight for her community, which has lovingly become her adopted family in this new land. With bittersweet information on Chinese immigration to America added in an author's note, this book captures many important themes to explore individually or in the classroom. Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages. (Historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Set in the early 1990s in Anaheim, California, this earnest debut is partially inspired by the author's childhood. When Mia Tang's parents find a new job managing the Calivista motel, it seems like the answer to their prayers: free housing and a stable, secure job, neither of which have come easy to the recent Chinese immigrants. Fifth-grader Mia takes pride in working the front desk and becomes fast friends with the weeklies, for whom the motel is a semipermanent residence. But the motel's owner, Mr. Yao, is beyond mean—he's flat out racist—so Mia enters a writing contest to win their very own motel. It's the details that sing in this novel, particularly the small moments that feel like everything when you're a kid: winning (or not) the beloved classroom object, having your prized possession stolen, or being hurt by a parent's words. When Mia's mother says, "You're a bicycle and the other kids are cars," meaning Mia's English will never be as good as a native speaker's, it's a crushing and lingering blow, especially for a budding writer. This book will help foster empathy for the immigrant experience for young readers, while for immigrant children, it is a much-needed and validating mirror. Though some of the events toward the end may stretch believability in an otherwise realistic novel, there is plenty to appreciate and admire. Deserving of shelf space in every classroom and library. Grades 4-7. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.
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PW Annex Reviews

Yang draws effectively on her own childhood in this lively debut, which offers a candid portrait of one Chinese-American immigrant experience through the eyes of a gutsy, empathetic 10-year-old. In 1993, when Mia Tang's parents become managers of a California motel, she envisions bright times ahead: the motel has a pool, and Disneyland is just down the road. But the mean-spirited motel owner bans her from the pool and cheats her parents out of money they deserve, keeping Disneyland far out of reach. While her parents work tirelessly, Mia takes charge of the front desk—and much more. Believing that "sometimes, you have to... be creative to get what you want," and flouting her mother's repeated assertion that Mia's English will never be as proficient as native-born Americans', she writes letters—creatively forged—to aid others, including an African-American victimized by racial profiling and a Chinese immigrant abused by his boss. Mia's story is one of indefatigable hope and of triumph over injustice, and her voice is genuine and inspiring. Ages 8–12. (May)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly Annex.

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly Annex.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 4–6—Mia Tang and her parents expected to work hard when they came to the United States, but they had no idea how difficult things would be. After a year or two struggling to make ends meet, they find themselves managing a motel for a cruel and exploitive owner. The work is exhausting and the problems are many, but the Tangs approach their new responsibility with determination, creativity, and compassion, making friends everywhere and sheltering a trickle of immigrants in worse straits than themselves. Ten-year-old Mia takes over the front desk, and makes it her own, while dreaming of a future as a writer. Based on Yang's own experiences as a new immigrant in the 1980s and 1990s, her novel speaks openly of hardship, poverty, assault, racism, and bullying, but keeps a light, positive tone throughout. Mia herself is an irresistible protagonist, and it is a pleasure to see both her writing and her power grow through a series of letters that she sends to remedy injustices. The hefty and satisfying dose of wish fulfillment that closes the story feels fully earned by the specificity and detailed warmth of Yang's setup. Many young readers will see themselves in Mia and her friends. VERDICT A swiftly moving plot and a winsome protagonist make this a first purchase for any collection, especially where realistic fiction is in demand.—Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.
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