Books in the series Front Desk

Front Desk is a powerful and heart-wrenching yet hopeful story that introduces readers to ten-year-old Mia Tang. Living in a motel isn't exactly the American dream Mia’s parents imagined when they immigrated from China, but Mia makes the best of it by managing the front desk of the Calivista Motel. This book is perfect for children who love stories about spunky, determined protagonists who fight for what is right. It’s an ideal choice for readers interested in learning about the immigrant experience, social justice, and the importance of community.

As Mia balances school, her secret life at the motel, and her dreams of becoming a writer, she must also navigate the cruelty of the motel owner, Mr. Yao. Kelly Yang weaves a masterful tale based on her own childhood experiences, making this a great choice for fans of realistic fiction that doesn't shy away from tough topics like poverty and racism. Readers will be inspired by Mia’s courage as she helps her parents hide fellow immigrants and works to find her voice through her letters.

Highlights:

• An inspiring story about the immigrant experience and the pursuit of the American Dream.
• Features a strong, relatable female protagonist who uses her writing to make a difference.
• Explores important social themes like poverty, racism, and systemic injustice in an accessible way.
• Perfect for fans of realistic middle grade novels that balance heavy topics with humor and heart.

Mia Tang is back in this powerful sequel to the award-winning Front Desk. Now that her family officially owns the Calivista Motel, Mia thinks sixth grade will be her best year yet. She gets to manage the front desk with her best friend Lupe and continue pursuing her passion for writing. However, the reality of 1990s California brings new challenges as a controversial law threatens the safety and belonging of her community. Mia must find her voice and use her writing to fight for what is right, even when the stakes are higher than ever.

This moving story is perfect for children who love realistic fiction that tackles important social issues with heart and humor. Ideal for readers interested in stories about immigration, activism, and the power of friendship, Kelly Yang delivers a narrative that is both educational and deeply personal. It is a great choice for classrooms and families looking to discuss diversity, empathy, and standing up against injustice.

Highlights:

• A compelling look at the immigrant experience and social justice in the 1990s.
• Strong themes of friendship, courage, and using one's voice for change.
• Relatable characters navigating the complexities of middle school and family life.
• A fast-paced and emotional sequel that stands strong on its own.

In Room to Dream, the third installment of Kelly Yang's beloved series, Mia Tang is finally achieving her dreams. After years of hard work at the Calivista Motel, Mia and her family take a long-awaited trip to China. This heartwarming story follows Mia as she navigates the massive changes happening in Beijing while reflecting on the shifts in her own life back in America. From her best friend Lupe taking advanced classes to confusing feelings about Jason, Mia must learn to balance her ambitions with the reality of a changing world.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about strong, relatable protagonists and families overcoming obstacles. Ideal for readers interested in Asian American experiences and those who enjoy learning about different cultures, Room to Dream offers a poignant look at immigration, social justice, and the power of persistence. It is a great choice for fans of the Front Desk series and readers who appreciate realistic fiction with a lot of heart and a touch of humor.

Highlights:

• Explores the complexities of identity and belonging across two different cultures.
• Features a determined and inspiring young female protagonist who pursues her passion for writing.
• Addresses social themes like gentrification and the impact of big business on small communities.
• Perfect for fans of Front Desk and Three Keys.

Mia Tang is back and ready to take on her biggest challenge yet in Key Player, the fourth installment of the beloved Front Desk series. As the Women's World Cup arrives in Southern California, Mia finds herself caught between her Chinese heritage and her American life. When a low grade in P.E. threatens her academic standing, Mia sets out on a daring mission to interview the world-class soccer stars from both the U.S. and Chinese teams. It is a heartwarming and high-stakes journey that perfectly balances sports excitement with deep personal growth.

Ideal for readers interested in AAPI stories and sports fiction, this novel explores complex themes like immigration, prejudice, and the meaning of home. Parents looking for books that encourage resilience and empathy will find Mia Tang to be an inspiring role model. Whether your child is a soccer fan or simply loves a story about a girl who never gives up, this book is a must-read that captures the spirit of the late 90s with humor and heart.

Highlights:

• Features a strong, relatable Asian-American female protagonist.
• Explores the excitement of the 1999 Women's World Cup and sports journalism.
• Tackles real-world issues like immigration and housing with sensitivity and humor.
• Perfect for fans of the Front Desk series and readers who enjoy realistic fiction.

Mia Tang is back in the fifth installment of the beloved Front Desk series! This winter break, Mia and her family head to San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. While she is excited to explore the rich history and meet hilarious relatives, Mia has her sights set on a bigger goal: winning a spot in a prestigious journalism camp at the Tribune. However, the competition is fierce, filled with older students who have fancy equipment and powerful connections. Mia must rely on her trusty pen and her unwavering passion to prove she belongs.

As Mia navigates the challenges of the newsroom, her personal life gets just as complicated. Her best friend Lupe is considering skipping ahead to college, and Jason has a crush on a new girl, leaving Mia feeling a mix of jealousy and confusion. This heartwarming and funny novel is perfect for children who love stories about finding your voice, navigating first crushes, and the importance of staying true to yourself. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in social justice, immigrant experiences, and realistic school-life balance.

Highlights:

• Explores the exciting world of journalism and the power of storytelling.
• Features a relatable protagonist navigating complex friendships and first crushes.
• Rich cultural setting in San Francisco's Chinatown with a focus on family and community.
• Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series and realistic middle-grade fiction.