Front Desk

by Kelly Yang
Front Desk cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Children's Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 7512
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781913311094
  • Publisher: Front Desk
  • Published: 2021-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Front Desk is a semi-autobiographical novel by Kelly Yang that offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience in America. The story is told through the eyes of Mia Tang, a ten-year-old girl who helps her parents manage the Calivista Motel. Mia's journey is filled with challenges, but also moments of joy and laughter as she learns to navigate her new life in America. The novel explores themes of family, friendship, and the pursuit of the American Dream. /n/n The book is praised for its authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience and its ability to tackle serious issues with humor and heart. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked. Front Desk is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community.

Reviews
The Library Ladies · 2021-11-08
enjoyable 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed “Front Desk” as a children's book and found Mia to be a super relatable protagonist. They appreciated the book's exploration of the immigrant experience and its engaging storytelling.

The reviewer found “Front Desk” to be an enjoyable children's book, particularly praising the relatable protagonist, Mia. The book's depiction of the immigrant experience resonated with them, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also appreciated the engaging storytelling and the way the book addresses important themes like resilience and the American dream. Overall, they found the book to be a heartwarming and thought-provoking read that would appeal to young readers.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed “Front Desk” as a children's book to be sure!

    I think that Yang did a really good job of making our protagonist Mia super relatable.

    The book's exploration of the immigrant experience is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Book Bunnies Blog · Marshmallow · 2021-08-28
great 4.75

Marshmallow thinks that Front Desk is a great book that is realistic and moving. They praised the author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.

Marshmallow found “Front Desk” to be a great book, highlighting its realistic and moving portrayal of the immigrant experience. They were particularly impressed with the author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, making the story both engaging and impactful. The reviewer appreciated the book's exploration of themes like resilience and the American dream, which added depth to the narrative. Overall, they found the book to be a heartwarming and thought-provoking read that would resonate with young readers.

Quick quotes

    I think that Front Desk is a great book.

    It is realistic and moving.

    The author, Kelly Yang, did a great job of writing a book that evokes so many emotions.

Culturefly · 2021-04-05
warm 4.00

Front Desk is a wonderful, warm and adventurous middle grade novel. It follows Mia Tang and her parents, who have recently immigrated to the US from China.

Front Desk is a heartwarming and adventurous middle-grade novel that captures the essence of the immigrant experience. The story of Mia Tang and her parents, who move from China to the US, is told with warmth and authenticity. The reviewer appreciates the way the book handles the struggles and triumphs of the family, making it a relatable and engaging read for young audiences. The novel's exploration of themes like resilience and the American dream adds depth to the narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Front Desk is a wonderful, warm and adventurous middle grade novel.

    It follows Mia Tang and her parents, who have recently immigrated to the US from China.

    The book handles the struggles and triumphs of the family with warmth and authenticity.

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