77. Front Desk by Kelly Yang

read on my iPhone - eBook borrowed from Library
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. 

PICTURE BOOK - Two of Everything retold and illustrated by Lily Toy Hong

A Chinese Folktale
1993, Albert Whitman & Co.

32 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.16 - 698 ratings

My rating:  4

Illustrations:  Illustrations have thin, light-colored lines around each of the drawings that remind me, a little, of Paul Gole's illustrations.  I wish I knew how she created these lovely, soft and gentle drawings.

1^st line/s:  "Once long ago, in a humble little hut, lived Mr. Haktak and his wife, rs. Haktak.  They were old and very poor.  What little they ate came from their tiny garden."

My comments:  The story, a retelling of a Chinese folktale, is fun and funny.  Gentle, soft illustrations frame the story beautifully.  This is an excellent read aloud to include when you want a simple Chinese folktale to enhance teaching/learning about China.

Goodreads:  Mr. Haktak digs up a curious brass pot in his garden and decides to carry his coin purse in it. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin slips into the pot, she reaches in and pulls out two coin purses and two hairpins--this is a magic pot!