Front Desk: The Graphic Novel

by Kelly Yang

A motel front desk, a family secret, and a writing dream

$14.62 USD

~~$24.37 USD~~ $14.62 USD

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Print BookAvailable Hardcover $21.42 USD~~$35.71 USD~~

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A motel front desk, a family secret, and a writing dream

Ten-year-old Mia Tang works the front desk at the Calivista Motel while her immigrant parents clean its rooms. The family's precarious position is complicated by a secret: they let immigrants stay in vacant rooms without the owner's permission. Mia also wants to become a writer, though her mother doubts that English is the right path for her. This graphic novel adaptation brings Mia and her friends into illustrated form, pairing the motel's day-to-day responsibilities with questions of family loyalty, hospitality, and pursuing a dream amid practical pressures.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

Kids ages 9–12 interested in graphic novels and family stories.
Readers curious about immigrant experiences and the lives of motel workers.
Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship, helping others, and aspiring writers.

Themes

Immigrant experienceFamily responsibilityHospitality and solidarityWriting and ambition

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The graphic novel adaptation of Kelly Yang's New York Times bestselling book Front Desk! This beautifully illustrated modern classic highlighting Mia Tang's ever-relevant immigrant story is a must-have for every bookshelf and classroom.

Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.

Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.

Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.

Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?

It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

See Mia and her friends brought to life in this graphic novel adaptation with art by Fumio Obata!

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