Book Talk Script: Front Desk

Book Talk: Front Desk

Hi! Welcome to LitChat. I’m Ms. Van Ness, the middle-grades and YA librarian at Kobe Public Library.

Today we’re going to be talking about FRONT DESK, by Kelly Yang.

5th grader Mia is different from other kids her age. For starters,

she has a job! Mia works at the front desk of the motel her parents clean and manage in California.

Mia holds a lot of secrets in this story. For one, her family is poor. They immigrated to the United States from China and her parents struggle to make ends meet.

For another thing, her parents hide immigrants in the motel at night.

Mia has a nemesis, Jason Yao, the son of the wealthy (and evil!)

motel owner. Mr. Yao is racist and has a bad attitude toward Mia’s family and the guests at his motel.

Mia tackles problems by standing up for what she feels is right.

She secretly wants to be a writer, and pens a bunch of letters to help out some of the motel tenants. She even enters an essay contest to win a motel!

Challenging issues of racism and class, this book demonstrates the importance of tolerance and diversity. It also shows how you can have positivity and determination to stand up for what you feel is right.

Front Desk is really exciting realistic fiction. This book addresses very serious social issues, such as racism and the rights of immigrant workers. Issues that will make you think!

If you want to be challenged by what you read, Front Desk is a great pick for you.