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“speaks openly of hardship, poverty, assault, racism, and bullying, but keeps a light, positive tone throughout.” –School Library Journal

Front Desk (Front Desk Series #1)

Written by Kelly Yang
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books

Mia 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?

Primary ISBN: 9781338157796
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Chapter Book, Age 09 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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