Front Desk By: Kelly Yang

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Mia and her parents immigrated to America from China with hopes for a better future.  Unfortunately, their experience has been challenging, including spending some time living in their car.  When Mia's parents get a job managing a motel, she helps her overwhelmed parents by running the front desk.  The motel allows Mia to meet lots of new people, most of them kind, but some not, such as the owner of the motel who underpays Mia's parents.  Things are hard for Mia's family but they continue to help others in need.  Mia has been to many schools during her time in America, but finds a friend in Lupe at her new school.  This is a touching story inspired by the author's experiences.  This is a story of family, friendship, and persevering through difficult times.  I highly recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction.  This is the first in a series of books.  Readers are sure to fall in love with Mia.