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mdevlin923's review
3.0
The Calivista is doing well, so Mia and her parents (along with Hank) visit their family in China. Although Mia feels like an outsider at first, she quickly finds her place and re-learns all the reasons why she loves China. When they return back home, however, they find that the Calivista has not been doing well due to a mega-chain of hotels. Mia must find a way to save the motel as well as her friendships...and she does so through her words: she repairs her friendships, shares her experience with English-learners back in China, shows the importance of independent and small-businesses, and sheds a light on the gentrification that is happening in her hometown.
In this third installment of the Front Desk series, Yang tackles gentrification, crushes, and the problems with ego and pride. It did feel like it would be better if the book were broken down into two different books (one about Mia's vacation to China and another about the gentrification in her hometown)...just a little bit too much going on in this book.
In this third installment of the Front Desk series, Yang tackles gentrification, crushes, and the problems with ego and pride. It did feel like it would be better if the book were broken down into two different books (one about Mia's vacation to China and another about the gentrification in her hometown)...just a little bit too much going on in this book.
segue's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
daumari's review
5.0
Oops, almost a week overdue whoops. Ended up being a one day binge while we had intermittent internet.
Mia Tang continues to boldly go forth with her pen, turning to writing to work out her feelings and figure out how to save the Calivista from chains taking over the neighborhood. I'm once again impressed by reading the author's note learning just how much of Mia's experiences are autobiographical, as some of Mia's issues are unfortunately still around: big problems like gentrification, colorism, the destruction of siheyuans in favor of high density apartments in China... to small problems (that are no less important for a seventh grader) like crushes, friends being in different classes at school, and parents trying to protect you by saying everything's fine when it isn't (ok, that last one can also be pretty major).
Mia Tang continues to boldly go forth with her pen, turning to writing to work out her feelings and figure out how to save the Calivista from chains taking over the neighborhood. I'm once again impressed by reading the author's note learning just how much of Mia's experiences are autobiographical, as some of Mia's issues are unfortunately still around: big problems like gentrification, colorism, the destruction of siheyuans in favor of high density apartments in China... to small problems (that are no less important for a seventh grader) like crushes, friends being in different classes at school, and parents trying to protect you by saying everything's fine when it isn't (ok, that last one can also be pretty major).
mariahistryingtoread's review
2.0
Initial thoughts: Hugely disappointed by this new addition. The pacing was weird, there were too many disjointed plot points, very biased messages about small businesses vs corporations, and Mia was not well written.
Longer reviewer to come.
Longer reviewer to come.
erinsbookshelves's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
myb1023's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sally_bailey's review
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
janerose123's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Room to Dream by Kelly Yang is a great fit for middle grade readers who enjoy stories about friendship, navigating the challenges of middle school, and exploring the complexities of immigration and cultural identity.
mama_jo's review
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75