Publishers Weekly
★ 07/27/2020
Aspiring writer Mia Tang, 11, returns in this complex yet accessible middle grade novel, the sequel to Yang’s Front Desk. Newly named co-owners of the Calivista Motel in Anaheim, Calif., the Tangs are “on the good rollercoaster now,” having escaped the authoritarian rule of former owner Mr. Yao. But their financial security is not guaranteed, and burgeoning racist sentiments and hate crimes—involving the impending 1994 gubernatorial election and one candidate’s bill proposing to “kick undocumented children out of California schools”—only make matters worse. As Mia and her family and friends face numerous instances of discrimination, they must concurrently inhabit the liminal spaces of being immigrants of color in America, interrogating exactly what it means to believe in justice, fight for their dreams, and belong in a country that seems to resent them. Yang expertly presents resonant themes—including privilege, assimilation, and solidarity—in nuanced ways, providing an entrée into contemporary issues for even the most uninformed young readers. Engaging with a political climate that is similar to current times, Mia is the compassionate, action-driven heroine today’s readers deserve. An author’s note reveals Yang’s personal inspiration and extensive research. Ages 8–12. Agent: Tina Dubois, ICM Partners. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Three Keys:
* "Mia is the compassionate, action-driven heroine today's readers deserve." — Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Sixth grader Mia Tang returns to battle racism." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "A more-than-worthy sequel, full of hope and heart, even in the darkest of times." — Booklist, starred review
* "A must-read for 2020." — Colby Sharp, Co-founder of The Nerdy Book Club
Awards and Praise for Front Desk:
Parents' Choice Gold Medal Fiction Award Winner
NPR Best Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Washington Post Best Books of the Year
Amazon Best Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Bookpage Best Books of the Year
New York Public Library Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year
Top Ten Debut Novels 2018 — ALA Booklist
* "Much-needed." — Booklist, starred review
* "Empowered." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Swiftly-moving." — School Library Journal, starred review
* "Powerful." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2020-05-17
Sixth grader Mia Tang returns to battle racism in this thrilling sequel to the Asian/Pacific American Award–winning Front Desk (2018).
The Tangs, who emigrated from China when Mia was little, are now the proud owners of the Calivista Motel. Mia works the front desk along with her friends Lupe Garcia, who is Mexican, and Jason Yao, who is Chinese. Her world quickly becomes clouded by the upcoming election, in which California’s Prop 187, which would ban undocumented immigrants from access to health care and public schooling, is on the ballot. The author’s note highlights personal experiences with racism and provides additional information on this historic vote. The storyline expertly weaves together the progress and setbacks Mia experiences as her family continues to work, seemingly endlessly on the edge of poverty. Lupe reveals that her family is undocumented, creating a portrait of fear as her father is jailed. The impending vote has significant consequences for all immigrants, not just the Garcias, as racial threats increase. With the help of a cast of strong supporting characters, Mia bravely uses her voice and her pen to change opinions—with family, friends, teachers, and even voters. The lessons she learns helping her friends become the key to addressing racism, as one wise friend advises: “You gotta listen, you gotta care, and most importantly, you gotta keep trying.”
Don’t miss this brave hero as she confronts anti-immigrant hatred in a timely historical novel. (author’s note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)
