Front Desk (Front Desk #1) (Scholastic Gold)

Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Front Desk joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!

Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.

Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.

Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?

It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

BUY THE BOOK

Published Jun 25, 2019

304 pages

Average rating: 9.33

18 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

JaneRose0514
May 02, 2025
10/10 stars
It was an amazing book! I'm going to read this series! The three keys and Room to dream and I love kelly yang's books now! Thank you for her amazing books!
Cyndall
Apr 06, 2025
9/10 stars
A great JF book that is full of living ideas. We used this one for school and both kids enjoyed and made many connections with topics we have covered in the past, including immigration, racism, perfectionism, and perserverance. Mia's edited letters also helped to normalise the editing process, which has improved our writing lessons. Recommended for ages 8-12, but teens & adults will also enjoy
LMahoney
Jan 26, 2024
10/10 stars
What a wonderful book for all ages. Full of heart, hope, and determination- I loved it and it's messages of working hard, tolerance, and diversity.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.