Front Desk
Ratings42
Average rating4.2
Mia just wasn't developed enough. She was both far too old for a ten year old and far too young.
And nothing in the book was shown, it as all told.
Cute and charming while dealing with serious issues. Bonus points for being semi-autobiographical.
Note: I picked this up because some parent somewhere (in ‘Murica natch) was terribly aggrieved that thier precious child had been exposed to all the sordid evil this book contains by an educator and that sort of thing always piques my curiosity.
A very sweet middle-grade story about a little girl named Mia who loves to write, and whose family of Chinese immigrants manages a motel in Anaheim, Calif. The characters are beautifully drawn, not just Mia's family, but also her friend Lupe, the “weeklies” that live in the motel, and the son of the mean hotel owner, who is in Mia's class and who has a ... let's say rough go of being torn between his father's world and that of Mia, Lupe and anyone else who is poor. It's a lovely story about being inclusive and welcoming and trying to give everyone a helping hand when you can, and how Mia finds her voice through her writing even when her mom isn't confident that Mia will be as good at “native English” as her classmates.
I listened to the audio, and the reader was great. My only issue is the ending, which I felt was totally unrealistic (but everything does wrap up nicely). I get that this is a kid's book, and narrator Mia is an eternal optimist, but the story includes a lot about hardships of not only her own family, but immigrants in similar life and work situations, and the end felt both implausible and too simplistic. I still thought it was great, and absolutely worth checking out.
This was a great book! It makes you see a side of life that not much people experience in life, it makes you realize how lucky you are to have everything you have. Everybody should want to be a “Mia” when they grow up: accepting, generous, percevering, outspoken, ressourceful, kind and full of home and ideas! I highly recommend anyone to read this beautiful and painfuly real book.
Wow...
I absolutely love the cute cover and heard amazing things about it, so I had to read it without even reading the summary. I was completely taken by surprise, I might have teared up a little and felt so betrayed.
It is so powerful. I haven't read or heard of many Asian rep books especially ones dealing with racism and immigration. The strength here, the fresh look, and the way the potential romance situation is handle is just amazing.
It is so sad, with notes of hope, friendship, and determination which then has a sweet ending. I absolutely loved reading this book. I think so many people should read this book.
Front Desk has an adorable and playful cover but the story is surprising in its frank confrontation of issues like poverty, xenophobia, and racism. This is made all the more significant by a note at the back explaining that much of the book draws on experiences of the author's actual childhood.
It is a book about trying despite struggling to believe you're capable and worthy, and giving despite having next to nothing tangible to offer. Mia is a great role model. She is brave and determined. She takes risks and makes sacrifices to help and stand up for others. She exhibits consideration and empathy. Front Desk is, more than anything, about how one responds to people who have nowhere else to turn.
Every once in awhile I come across a book I think every American should read (i.e. Wonder) and Front Desk is another. I think young readers would be greatly surprised to read about Mia and her life. She and her parents run a motel owned by a tyrant. They work all hours of the day for almost no pay. Mia does get to attend school, but in a richer area. Her clothing is not “right” and her free school lunch is most likely the most nutritious meal she gets each day.
Mia is a bit of a Pollyanna. Except for one small mention of an incident with a pair of jeans, Mia never complains about how hard her life is or how little she owns. In fact, being a champion for those who are down on their luck becomes her hobby. She wants to single-handedly pull her parents out of poverty and herself off the roller coaster (of the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor). She has a great friend in Lupe, who is going through something similar, but dealing with her own issues.
Did I mention this kid is just 10 years old?
Front Desk tackles some mature themes (racism, poverty) with great examples and a discussion of feelings. It would make a hell of a book club read.
This book is so big-hearted and great and just such a good boooook. Mia's such a great character to root for. A must-read. I can't say more, I'm tearing up again just thinking about it.