“Sometimes terrible things happen, but there’s nothing more terrible than not having anybody to tell it to.” ― Kelly Yang, Front Desk

Front Desk by Kelly Yang is a heartwarming and strong story that’s easy to read but hard to forget. It follows a 10-year-old girl named Mia Tang who helps her parents run a motel while dealing with big problems like racism, being poor, and trying to fit in.

Based on the author’s real-life experiences, this book shows what it’s like to be a kid from another country trying to live a better life in America. It’s full of truth, hope, and bravery.

This book for middle schoolers has won awards and touched the hearts of kids and adults alike. It’s not just about growing up—it’s about standing up for what’s right. If you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who enjoys a good story, Front Desk is a book that will make you think and feel. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special.

Plot Summary

“It’s going to be okay. I’ll make friends, and if I don’t, I’ll borrow books from the library.” ― Kelly Yang, Front Desk

Front Desk follows the journey of 10-year-old Mia Tang, an immigrant girl who helps her parents run a small, struggling motel in California. Her family faces many challenges, including financial difficulties, racism, and dealing with a tough boss named Mr. Yao, who makes their lives even harder.

Despite these problems, Mia remains hopeful and determined to help her family succeed. She not only works hard at the motel’s front desk but also helps her parents with the many tasks that come with running a business, even though she’s just a child.

Throughout the book, Mia learns to navigate her difficult circumstances while discovering the importance of kindness, honesty, and standing up for what’s right. Although Mia’s parents are loving and hardworking, their constant stress about money and their uncertain future weigh heavily on her.

However, Mia rises to the challenge, finding her voice and the courage to stand up against the injustices she faces, both for herself and others. She forms a strong bond with her best friend, Jason, who supports her through the tough moments and reminds her of her worth.

Mia’s character evolves as she transitions from a young girl who feels powerless in a tough world to someone who understands the value of speaking up, standing firm in her beliefs, and making a positive difference, even when the odds are against her.

Her journey is also about family, the immigrant experience, and finding a sense of belonging in a world that often seems indifferent or hostile. Mia’s growth is a testament to her resilience, her family’s sacrifices, and the kindness of those who support her.

What Genre Does Front Desk Focus On?

Front Desk is middle-grade realistic fiction. It’s aimed at young readers but is full of important themes that can connect with readers of all ages. The book shows the everyday challenges that Mia and her family face, making it feel very real and relatable. It’s not a fantasy or adventure story—it’s about real life.

In this book, you can expect a mix of real-life struggles and emotional depth. The story touches on difficult topics like racism, immigration, and poverty, but it’s also filled with moments of hope and kindness. The book balances tough situations with light-hearted moments and humor, making it a heartfelt read that will make you think, laugh, and feel.

You’ll see how Mia faces challenges with courage and resilience, showing that even in tough times, there’s always room for growth and kindness.

Ratings and Reviews

Front Desk has received high praise for its heartfelt story and relatable characters. With a blend of humor, real-life struggles, and hope, it’s no wonder this book has captured the hearts of so many readers. Here’s a look at what people are saying about the book and why it’s standing out in the world of middle-grade fiction.

Goodreads Rating and Reviews

Front Desk has a 4.5-star rating on Goodreads and over 16,000 reviews. Many readers love this book and connect with its powerful message.

• It is much deeper and more complex than the playful cover indicates. It is a wonderful story about immigrants, poverty, and family.
• This book was phenomenal. And that author’s note? My heart is aching. It is so powerful and incredibly moving.

Amazon Rating and Reviews

On Amazon, readers give Front Desk an average rating of 4.7 stars. Many mention the book’s engaging writing style and its ability to handle tough topics with empathy and humor. Reviewers also appreciate how the story sheds light on the immigrant experience in a relatable and accessible way for young audiences.

What makes Front Desk different is its unique look at the immigrant experience and its ability to tell those tough stories with honesty. The way the book combines real-life challenges with hope and empathy makes it stand out from other books in the same genre.

It’s a story that feels fresh and meaningful, making it a great read for anyone who enjoys stories with heart.

Other Books in the Front DeskSeries

If you loved Front Desk, there are even more books in Kelly Yang’s world that you can take a look at! Here’s the complete list of all the books in the Front Desk series and related works:

1. Front Desk

This is the first book in the series, introducing Mia Tang, a 10-year-old girl who helps her immigrant parents run a motel. Mia faces challenges like racism, financial troubles, and a difficult boss. Through her struggles, she learns valuable lessons about kindness, standing up for what’s right, and finding her voice.

2. Three Keys

In this sequel, Mia continues to help her family run the motel. This time, she faces even more challenges at school and with her friends. She learns about bravery, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for others.

3. Room to Dream

Mia’s journey continues as she faces the new challenges of growing up. Her family is still working hard to make their dreams come true, and Mia must balance her dreams with the responsibilities of growing up. It’s a heartwarming continuation of her story.

4. New from Here

Though it’s not directly part of the Front Desk series, New from Here tells the story of Hong, a young boy who moves to the U.S. from Hong Kong during the pandemic. He faces challenges with family, culture, and adjusting to a new life, making this a great read for fans of Kelly Yang’s writing.

5. Top Story

In Top Story, Kelly Yang introduces a new adventure that continues to focus on themes like resilience, friendship, and overcoming challenges. It’s another heartfelt book that looks at the importance of pursuing dreams, even when life gets tough.

6. Chef’s Secret

This book introduces a new character and continues Yang’s focus on family and finding one’s place in the world. In Chef’s Secret, the protagonist discovers the importance of hard work, passion, and the lessons learned through food and family traditions. It’s another deeply emotional and inspiring story from Kelly Yang.

Who Should Read Front Desk?

Front Desk is recommended for kids ages 8 to 12. The book deals with some important and serious topics, like racism, immigration, and poverty, but they are handled in a way that’s easy to understand and not too overwhelming.

It’s a great choice for young readers who are ready to explore stories that show real-life struggles but also have hope and heart. While some parts might make you feel sad or upset, the overall message is one of strength, kindness, and standing up for what’s right.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Front Desk is a powerful and inspiring book that offers a real look at the challenges of growing up as an immigrant in a new country. Mia’s story is filled with struggles but also hope, kindness, and a lot of courage. It teaches readers important lessons about standing up for what’s right, showing kindness, and finding your voice, even when life gets tough.

The book is perfect for kids ages 8-12. While it touches on some serious topics, it’s handled in a way that makes it easy to understand.

If you’re a young reader or an adult, Front Desk is a story that will make you think, feel, and maybe even inspire you to make a difference in your own life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and relatable story.

More from This Author

Kelly Yang is an author and teacher who writes stories that focus on important topics like immigration, family, and finding your voice. She was born in the U.S. but grew up in a family of immigrants, so she draws from her own experiences in her writing. Her books often reflect the struggles and dreams of immigrant families, making them relatable to many readers.

Other Books by This Author

If you enjoyed Front Desk, you might want to check out some of Kelly Yang’s other books:

• Three Keys: The sequel to Front Desk, continuing Mia’s story as she faces even more challenges.
• New from Here: A story about a boy named Hong who moves to the U.S. from Hong Kong during the pandemic.
• Room to Dream: Another heartfelt story that explores family and finding your place in the world.

These books continue to explore similar themes, with strong characters and important messages.