Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity, but we just can’t see it right then and there.

Mia is a fifth-grade girl whose parents have recently immigrated to America from China, with very little money to their name, looking for a better life. They soon come upon an opportunity to manage a motel, and when they find out that they do not need to pay rent to stay there, this clinches the deal. However, the owner, Mr. Yao, is not kind and cheats them out of the money they earn at every chance he gets- making them pay for the washing machine when it breaks, or putting new stipulations on the amount of profit they may make on each customer. As Mia assimilates to American culture in school, she learns that America is not always what it’s cracked up to be. She doesn’t understand how America is the land of the “free” when everything is so expensive and people discriminate against others because of the color of their skin. And at every turn, she has a run-in with Jason, Mr. Yao’s son, who is following in his father’s footsteps, cheating and lying. At school, Mia is enamored with the English language, even though her mother tells her to focus on math, as she will never know English as well as native speakers. But Mia persists and soon discovers that she can use her English writing powers to affect change. As customers and visiting Chinese immigrants, whom the Tangs temporarily hide in their hotel, run into trouble, Mia writes letters to get them out of it. Her writing eventually softens even the hardest of hearts. This inspirational and suspenseful book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for Mia and her family and friends. It is highly recommended as a classroom read-aloud or as part of a classroom library of diverse books. It is a must-read for teachers of writing who might use it as a vehicle to open students’ eye to the possibilities afforded to them when they are able to write well. The sequel is called Three Keys.

Complexity+ The plot is linear and the language is accessible.

Literary merit++ Mia’s voice is introspective and the plot is unpredictable, offering gems for writing teachers in terms of writing moves.

Maturity+ The main character is in the upper elementary grades but has to deal with some adult situations as she is helping her parents care for the hotel. Nevertheless, Yang writes in such a way that even upper elementary kids can grasp the tough spot she’s in and what it might be like to have to make mature decisions.

Wisdom+++ While intended for a young audience, this book has lessons for readers of all ages, from empathizing with immigrants to understanding the power of being able to write.

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I received this book for free in exchange for writing this review for the semi-annual Kutztown University Book Review event. This review may be published in other places, but it was first written by me.