Front Desk

Mia Tang and her parents immigrate from China to California, where they manage the Calivista Motel. While her parents clean rooms, Mia runs the front desk and dreams of becoming a writer. The family faces financial struggles, exploitation by the motel's owner, and the challenges of assisting fellow immigrants. Through determination and community support, Mia endeavors to improve their circumstances and achieve her aspirations.​

Recommendation: This novel is ideal for readers aged 9–12 interested in stories about perseverance, cultural identity, and social justice. It offers an authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience in America during the early 1990s.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers seeking diverse perspectives​
• Fans of character-driven narratives addressing social issues​
• Readers interested in stories about family, friendship, and community​

Similar Reads:

• Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga​
• Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai​
• Amina's Voice by Hena Khan​

Stylistic Features:

• First-person narrative providing an intimate view of Mia's thoughts and experiences​
• Engaging and accessible language suitable for middle-grade readers​
• Incorporation of letters and lists that enhance the storytelling​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of poverty, racism, and exploitation, which are handled sensitively but may require discussion for younger readers.​

Note: Front Desk is the first book in a series, followed by Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player, and Top Story.​