Praise for Room to Dream:
* "Yang sensitively presents issues like racism, consent, and gentrification in an accessible and engaging manner." Booklist, starred review
* "Fans of this series that keeps going strong will devour this latest entry." Kirkus, starred review
Awards and Praise for Front Desk:
Parents' Choice Gold Medal Fiction Award Winner
NPR Best Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
Publishers WeeklyBest Books of the Year
Washington PostBest Books of the Year
Amazon Best Books of the Year
School Library JournalBest Books of the Year
Bookpage Best Books of the Year
New York Public Library Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year
Top Ten Debut Novels 2018 - ALA Booklist
* "Much-needed." Booklist, starred review
* "Empowered." Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Swiftly-moving." School Library Journal, starred review
* "Powerful" Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books, starred review
★ 2021-07-28
A holiday in China reignites Mia’s love of writing, while troubles with the Calivista Motel develop her journalism skills.
Tackling complex issues of gentrification, corporate power, racism, and even an unwanted kiss, Chinese American seventh grader Mia Tang matures, exhibiting endearing resilience and advocating for herself and small businesses. The first third of the book explores the emotions and confusion of reuniting with family back in Beijing. Many immigrant children will recognize the awkwardness Mia feels both in America and also in her country of birth: “At school I wasn’t white enough. Here I wasn’t Chinese enough.” Mia finds a solution—using her talent with words to write a column in a Chinese children’s newspaper. The concept of saving face is introduced, as Mia’s parents are mortified by the personal information she shares in her weekly column. When the Tangs return home, there is trouble for the Calivista Motel. What Mia saw happening in Beijing—small mom-and-pop shops being forced out of business—is also happening in California. Can an independent business win a fight with a big corporation? The livelihood of the whole Calivista community hangs in the balance. The complex and realistic relationships Mia has with Lupe and Jason show these friends developing into an interesting and talented trio. The author’s note, including writing and photos from Yang’s youth, shares the remarkable autobiographical details.
Fans of this series that keeps going strong will devour this latest entry. (Historical fiction. 8-12)
Sunny Lu narrates the third in Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series. After delivering the first two audiobooks, Lu is firmly anchored in the winning persona of heroine Mia Tang. This adventure begins when Mia and her family return to their China homeland to visit. She leaves Los Angeles confused about her relationships with her two best friends and feeling stuck over how to achieve her dream of becoming a writer. As she sees the growth that is taking place in Beijing, she experiences new growth in herself and returns to the U.S. a stronger person. Lu embraces Mia’s determination, questioning, and bright spirit. Kelly Yang delivers the author’s note, shining further light on these biographical tales. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Sunny Lu narrates the third in Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series. After delivering the first two audiobooks, Lu is firmly anchored in the winning persona of heroine Mia Tang. This adventure begins when Mia and her family return to their China homeland to visit. She leaves Los Angeles confused about her relationships with her two best friends and feeling stuck over how to achieve her dream of becoming a writer. As she sees the growth that is taking place in Beijing, she experiences new growth in herself and returns to the U.S. a stronger person. Lu embraces Mia’s determination, questioning, and bright spirit. Kelly Yang delivers the author’s note, shining further light on these biographical tales. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine