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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.5
Front Desk is the story of Mia Tang, a ten year old Chinese immigrant who often works at the front desk of the motel complex she lives in with her parents while they are hard at work cleaning the units. The book explores many of the difficulties migrant families face - poverty, lack of health insurance, loan sharks, illegal and exploitative working conditions, racism, generational conflict and more yet these were handled in way that was appropriate for the intended audience. Mia is a really likeable protagonist with determination and a good-getter attitude, someone who not only wants to help her family but who goes out of her way to help others and stand-up for what she knows to be right. The happy and heartwarming ending is a nice counter to some of the tougher themes. I loved the way this book highlights the significant positive differences children Mia’s age can make in the world. The author’s note at the end adds some valuable context and details how parts of the story are based on her own life experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Bullying
Moderate: Violence
rachreads925's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Bullying, Racism, and Classism
dpearson5257's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
So good, soo funny and encouraging! Extremely eye opening! I truly appreciate this story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
moreta1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Bullying, Classism, and Racism
ireedalot's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Xenophobia, Bullying, and Alcohol
catwhisperflubbs's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
had to read it in 3rd grade.
good book, never think about it.
good book, never think about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
Minor: Bullying
sakisreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
I wanted to read this so that I could share my review with my work colleagues!
This was just LOVELY. Mia is hope epitomised and strives to make her motel community as happy as possible. Of course there’s frustrations at school and her love/hate relationship with Jason is typical for a tween, but her voice is incredibly mature and necessary ❤️ I loved the weeklies as well, they were great characters.
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars, thank you ✨
This was just LOVELY. Mia is hope epitomised and strives to make her motel community as happy as possible. Of course there’s frustrations at school and her love/hate relationship with Jason is typical for a tween, but her voice is incredibly mature and necessary ❤️ I loved the weeklies as well, they were great characters.
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars, thank you ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, Bullying, and Deportation
matcha_pages's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Racism
lwprice1209's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Classism, Gun violence, Racism, Bullying, and Hate crime