Happy book birthday to Kelly Yang on her middle grade debut novel,  Front Desk (Arthur Levine/Scholastic).

It wasn’t easy being the child of first-generation immigrants from China. America wasn’t happy times at Disneyland that 10-year-old Mia was hoping for. America was hard work but Mia was always up to the task. She and her family lived in a motel and while her parents cleaned the rooms every day, Mia managed the front desk. Front Desk gives the reader a glimpse into the brave life of Chinese immigrants. Based on real circumstances experienced by author, Kelly Yang.

Front Desk has already received lots of praise . . .

  •  “Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
  •  “A first purchase for any collection.” — School Library Journal, starred review
  • “It’s the details that sing in this novel, particularly the small moments that feel like everything when you’re a kid…Deserving of shelf space in every classroom and library.” — ALA Booklist, starred review
  • “Honest…powerful…heart-wrenching.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“Front Desk is a story about the hardships of immigrant life, the perpetuation of injustice, and a sweet, kind, indomitable young girl who chooses to rise up and fight no matter how hard it gets. Kelly Yang’s debut is a stunner.” — Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object.