Front Desk, by Kelly Yang- 5 Stars, AAPI Read

[Joi]

Middle grade novel that is deceivingly deep. Has big themes of immigration, racism, police bias, poverty, classism, the identity of being Asian-American, and how minorities are pitted against each other, all wrapped up in a funny, sweet children's book- with the regular 'kid' themes of making friends, teachers, parents, teasing by other students, and easy in tone. Mia Tang immigrated from China, and her parents start working (for extremely little pay) as managers at the motel. Mia is an admirable character who both makes mistakes, but also learns from them and grows.

This was recommended on an AAPI reading list- and damn. I was pretty shocked how I really felt that it accurately represented the feelings of growing up "looking different", and the microaggressions that come with it. So many ADULT themes packed into so carefully presented to a younger reader and audience. It takes racism, and not only shows it- but also shows how it can affect the victim, those around them, and creative action steps as a kid to take against it. You can tell the writing is carefully crafted for a young audience, and I thought it was super successful. I also appreciated the dynamic between our protagonist Mia, and her antagonist- the rival student/motel owner's son-Jason. Jason really grows, and you can see his progression throughout the book- I think this is important to show as well.

This does have a pretty cookie cutter ending, a bit too optimistic for my liking- but hey- it's a kids book. The afterward explained how this is semi-autobiographical as well, the author really working for her parents in a California hotel. Glad to end the book with a sense of solidarity, and understanding of the two roller coasters of America- one of privledged, and the other of the not-privledged.

[Meli]

I never read middle grade and take for granted how progressive the themes can be, like YA. This sounds interesting.

Looks like it is the first in a series, will you read the others?
How did you come across this one?

[Joi]

I saw it on an AAPI reading list from @vanreads on instagram, I'll send you the post.

Yes, this is the first in a series, I picked up the 2nd one already, and looks like the 3rd is still unreleased.