March 2023: Front Desk

[Reera, Bookmaster]

Aaaah! Sorry for making this thread late. As you are all aware, we are reading Front Desk by Kelly Yang for the month of March. It is one of the most prolific books that are being campaigned against by book banners across America. This is also our first time reading a middle grade book for book club, so we thought it would be an interesting change of pace.

As always, would love to read people's thoughts on the book. If you have a young reader in your family, I would also like to hear their thoughts.

[Danielle]

I've read the first two books, so this is a great reminder that I still need to get around to books 3 and 4!

It's very approachable (as it's both written from a 10 year old's perspective and semi-autobiographical from Kelly Yang's own experiences) and I'd recommend it as a read for all ages. I did a reread last year shortly after rereading Dragonwings (also a target of book bans in the current era), and it's striking how many things didn't change in the struggles of Chinese immigrants even though the stories are separated by 90 years.

[Katherine]

Mia is a badass. Reading about a young character who is so innocent that she steals her dad penny collection and writes to a sweepstakes, I have to shake my head. But she also displays a level of bravery that most adults wish they had. She sees/hears something messed up and calls it out.

The book ban is disheartening, but support your local libraries, be extra kind to your librarians. And be like Mia, be persistent, be bold, and take action.

[Nina]

Loved this story! I found Front Desk to be yet another great approach to telling one of many diverse immigrant experiences. I spent a lot of the book doubting that the experiences in the book were real, but was proven wrong. What a wonderfully strong heroine who leaves us with extraordinary hope.