This book review is my personal opinion and not a paid book review of Front Desk. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases if you buy through my links. Don’t worry… I only recommend products that I use and love!!
Would You Take a Job That Changed Your Life Forever? 🤔
Can you imagine moving to a new country with hopes of a better life, only to find that nothing is as promised? No house, no dog, and definitely no unlimited hamburgers! 🍔 This is the reality 10-year-old Mia Tang faces in Front Desk by Kelly Yang—a heartfelt and eye-opening story of courage, determination, and what it means to find home.
Not the Dream They Imagined 😢🏠
Mia’s parents believed America would be a land of opportunity. They dreamed of a house, steady jobs, and a happy life. But reality hit hard. For a while, they lived in their car while Mia’s dad worked as an assistant fryer and her mom waited tables at a Chinese restaurant in California. Things seemed to improve when they moved into a tiny apartment—until Mia’s well-meaning attempt to help at the restaurant backfired, causing her mom to lose her job.
A New Job Brings New Challenges 💼🚪
When Mia’s mom found an ad for a motel manager job that offered free housing, it seemed like a blessing. The family packed up and moved in immediately. But there was a catch—Mr. Yao, the motel’s owner, was a greedy, cruel man who made their lives miserable. Despite the challenges, the Tangs found joy in unexpected places.
They befriended the “weeklys,” a group of kindhearted permanent residents at the motel. Mia also found a best friend in Lupe, a classmate who understood the struggles of being an immigrant. Still, life wasn’t easy. Managing the motel was grueling, and when Mr. Yao decided to sell it, the family’s future was in jeopardy. Can Mia come up with a daring plan to save her family and the motel?
Why Front Desk is a Must-Read! 🌟📖
This book is packed with important life lessons! Here’s what I loved most:
1. Hard Work Pays Off 💪✏️
Mia struggles with English, especially writing, but she refuses to give up. She shows readers that persistence and hard work can change your life.
2. The Power of Friendship and Family ❤️👨👩👧
The relationships in this book—between Mia, her family, Lupe, and the weeklys—are heartwarming. They remind us that community and kindness can help us overcome the hardest challenges.
3. Fighting for Equality and Justice ✊🌎
Mia advocates for fairness and shows us that everyone, regardless of background or nationality, deserves respect and dignity.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang is not just a book—it’s an experience. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Mia as she bravely faces obstacles most adults couldn’t handle. I highly recommend this book for classrooms, libraries, and anyone who loves an inspiring story about resilience and hope.
📚 Don’t miss this incredible read!
What I Love About This Book!
Here are three reasons why Front Desk is perfect for kids and classrooms:
1. It Teaches Resilience and Hard Work 💪✏️
Mia’s journey shows kids that even when things are tough, perseverance pays off. She struggles with English and writing but never gives up, proving that hard work can lead to success.
2. Promotes Diversity and Empathy 🌎🤝
The book opens young readers’ eyes to the experiences of immigrants and the challenges they face. It’s a great tool to encourage empathy, kindness, and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
3. Inspires Social Justice and Advocacy ✊📢
Mia doesn’t just accept unfairness—she stands up for what’s right. This book empowers kids to find their voices, fight for fairness, and be brave in the face of injustice.
🌟My Favorite Quotes!🌟
🌟”Here, everything had a price, even kindness.”
🌟”It’s going to be okay, I’ll make friends, and if I don’t, I’ll borrow books from the library.”
🌟”Why put a scary part in the middle of a beautiful piece?” I remember asking my piano teacher. “Because life is scary sometimes, little one.”
🌟”It means a mistake isn’t always a mistake. Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity, but we just can’t see it right then and there.”
🌟”I guess that’s because, in America, it’s to each his own.”
🌟”There’s a saying in Chinese that goes, “never forget how much rice you eat.” It’s a reminder to stay humble, to stay real. Just because you have an important job doesn’t mean you’re better than everybody else. You still eat rice like the rest of us”
🌟”You can’t win if you don’t play.”
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