Front Desk

A swiftly moving plot and a winsome protagonist make this a first purchase for any collection, especially where realistic fiction is in demand * School Library Journal * …there is much satisfaction in this book’s powerful and heart-wrenching close. * BCCB * FRONT DESK is infused with dark truths about America and still manages to be light, heartwarming, and fast-paced. The book ends on a hopeful note, with the Tangs’ community surrounding them to help them take the first step off the poverty rollercoaster. The solution they come up with has a chance at helping others get off, too. * Lu & Bean Read * With bittersweet information on Chinese immigration to America added in an author’s note, this book captures many important themes to explore individually or in the classroom. * Kirkus * Deserving of shelf space in every classroom and library. * Booklist * This was a well-written and easy to read novel that really focused on Mia’s journey growing up, and facing and overcoming tough issues for a ten-year-old. And while Kelly Yang did not shy away from expressing the harsh truths of discrimination, she balanced it out with heartwarming moments that made the story flow smoothly. * ReadPlus * This is an astounding and entertaining read sometimes defying belief because it is so heartbreakingly true. – Dimity Powell * Boomerang Books *

Kelly Yang is an American citizen living and working in Hong Kong. She went to University of California at Berkeley at age 13, graduated at 17, and completed Harvard Law by age 20. She’s now a columnist for the South China Morning Post and has been published in The New York Times, Washington Post, and The Atlantic. She is also the founder and director of The Kelly Yang Project, a leading writing and debate center in Asia. She’s been on the BBC, CNN, and Huffington Post to discuss education and learning. Her YouTube channel hosts a global issues show for teens.