Reviews

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

cassmccaff's review against another edition

4.0

This book was quite enjoyable! It was a very quick read. I’m not sure what reading level this is. But it is told from the perspective of a 5th grade girl whose family migrates over from China in the 90’s. It gives a real view of what life was like moving to America as immigrants and the struggles that came with it. I loved hearing the stories from perspective. And it’s all based on true stories from the author. Reading this book did motivate me to want to treat everyone with kindness and compassion. Everyone is fighting to make their own way in this world.

jenmangler's review against another edition

3.0

While a part of me liked the feel good ending of this book (who doesn't want a happy ending), a bigger part of me was disappointed because it felt so unreal and seemed to minimize the very real struggles Mia, her family and friends faced throughout the book. Up until that ending, the book gives a very real glimpse into the many difficulties immigrants face in this country.

limdurlu's review against another edition

My brain is just not in the right headspace for this right now. I will try to read/listen to this again later. Just not right now.

afogartto's review

emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mdevlin923's review against another edition

4.0

Mia Tang and her parents have immigrated to America from China in hopes of a better future. Life in California is difficult for them, so when they hear about an opportunity to manage the Calivista Motel (that comes with free lodging) they take it. Unfortunately, the motel owner is selfish, unscrupulous, and racist. He quickly takes advantage of the Tangs...and Mia can't stand it. As Mia attends school, she learns that her voice can make change. While improving her English, Mia writes letters to help out her friends and eventually pursuade other immigrants to invest in purchasing the Calivista.

A great story about immigration, poverty, courage, and finding your voice.

tinky47's review against another edition

5.0

A child of Chinese immigrants in California, Mia Tang’s life is anything but easy. Since moving to the us Mia and her parents have lived in a car, worked terrible jobs for little pay, and have been treated with hate and disregard. When the Tangs are offered a job managing a motel with the rent included, it seems like a great deal, until they realize the owner of the motel is a cruel and miserly man. Mia struggles to find her way in yet another new school as one of the only Chinese children, where her clothes her secondhand and her English not good enough. Mia’s spunky attitude and problem solving skills keeps her from giving up on herself, her family, and her newfound friends at the motel.

daumari's review against another edition

5.0

A really cute story that one of my local bookstores (Book Bin of Corvallis) recommended on their facebook page. Mia Tang is a tenacious ten year old, an immigrant with moxie who knows she faces long odds but will do anything to right the wrongs against her friends and family. Based on the experiences of the author, Front Desk is set in the mid-90s, when the Chinese immigration waves were educated people leaving what they thought was a sinking ship for opportunity, but America isn't necessarily the Golden Mountain who takes in huddled masses as believed.

It's absolutely frustrating to see other immigrants want to pull the ladder up after them, taking advantage of others like Mr. Yao, the owner of the motel, does as he hires Mia's parents to run the place. Minority solidarity is also discussed as he and other antagonists automatically classify all black people as 'bad guys', much to Mia's fury. Luckily, our heroine discovers she's got a gift for words, and tackles problems through letter writing.

Even though this is middle grade, I absolutely loved it and would also rec it to all ages.

reread notes, 2/23/22- I read this following a reread of [b:Dragonwings|876034|Dragonwings (Golden Mountain Chronicles, #5)|Laurence Yep|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388278003l/876034._SX50_.jpg|2831204], and it's striking how parallel the struggles of Chinese immigrants are, even separated by 90 years. Would make for good companions in a unit, I think (I'm not an educator, though).

thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition

5.0

This book was absolutely delightful! Mia was always full of hope, creativity and kindness and I can imagine she would give a voice to a lot of kids who were also immigrants and who grew up poor. Highly recommend, especially for teachers! I think this book would be amazing for students to read so they can learn more about lives different from their own.

ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee

allicatca's review against another edition

5.0

I read this book while at jury duty. I was impressed with the great writing and how well the author brought me into the world of her main character.

Although the book is based on true life events of the writer, the idea of a young girl taking over the front desk of a motel is so original.

I appreciate how the author speaks about immigration and racism, subjects about which I think all children should learn.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

the_child_of_iris's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Enjoy reading it while resting in summer and between the big and great books you read;)
And get good information about living in other countries