2018, Scholastic
286 pgs.
Middle Grades CRF
Finished 8/10/18
Goodreads rating: 4.29 - 1249 ratings
My rating: 4.5
Setting: Contemporary Anaheim, California
First line/s: "My parents told me that America would be this amazing place where we could live in a house with a dog, do whatever we want, and eat hamburgers till we were red in the face."
My comments: This is a beautifully written story about a feisty, smart, exceptional 10-year-old that is actually based on the author's true story. It's about the immigrant experience in southern California. And although it's about Chinese immigrants, it could be about any immigrant from any country; it puts yourself in their shoes. I must admit I was upset and pissed through most of the book. Language barriers, poverty, and of course prejudice are almost insurmountable - but young Mia figures ways around and through obstacles with a never-give-up-attitude that is incredibly believable. This is a touching, warmhearted story about love and friendship and not giving up. A winner!
Goodreads synopsis: Front Desk tells the story of 10-year-old Mia Tang. Every day, Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel while her parents clean the rooms. She’s proud of her job. She loves the guests and treats them like family. When one of the guests gets into trouble with the police, it shakes Mia to her core. Her parents, meanwhile, hide immigrants in the empty rooms at night. If the mean motel owner Mr. Yao finds out, they’ll be doomed!
Based on the author's life, the story follows Mia — the daughter of first generation Chinese immigrants.
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