Front Desk

Mia's parents have been struggling to make ends meet since they immigrated from China to America.  When they get the chance to run a small motel where they can live rent-free, it seems like a dream come true!

But Mr. Yao, the owner, keeps changing their contract, and it always benefits him.  His son, Jason, is Mia's age, and he's just as bad as his father.  Still, Mia loves working at the front desk after school while her parents are busy cleaning the rooms.  It gives her confidence and a sense of importance.

The permanent residents of the motel become like a family to Mia, and she is outraged when one of them is accused of committing a crime.  Mia knows he didn't do it, and she sets out to prove it.

As bad as things seem sometimes, Mia knows they could be worse.  Her parents sometimes hide Chinese immigrants in an empty motel room, and Mia hears their horror stories.

Mia loves the power of words, but her mother is convinced she'll never be successful since English is her second language.  She thinks Mia should stick to math.  Can Mia prove to her mother and herself that words can make all the difference?

I love Kelly Yang's book so much!  There are moments of humor followed by moments of outrage.  Readers will sympathize with Mia as she tries to fit in with her American classmates and feel her confusion about race relations in 1980's California.  I read this book in one sitting--could not put it down.  Highly recommended!