FRONT DESK- FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Have you ever met someone and wondered what was their life story? Too often people make assumptions about others based on stereotypes instead of taking the time to get to know others. This leads to hate, discrimination, false accusations, brutality and a loss of opportunity to grow and connect.

Author, Kelly Yang, confronts immigration and bias in her middle grade novel, Front Desk. It follows a family who has migrated to America and the challenges they face surrounding finding employment, equitable pay, racial bias, and community. This seems like a pretty tough concept for a kid's book, yet she paints a picture through words that helps young readers connect with humanity.

This book provides valuable life lessons and teachable moments. Educators can use this book to address controversial issues surrounding immigration. It would also make a great read for character development, examining how setting effects a story and even plot analysis. Identifying the theme is another standard that could be tackled with this book.

In a time where so many of us walk by others and fail to extend love or even a hello, this book reminds us all that we matter. Readers are sure to walk away from this book with a sense of pride in themselves, respect for others and a feeling that we all need to have opportunities to feel like we are at the front desk, or to use our voices for good.

I highly encourage you to read this book and to see why these 2 quotes were so profound to me. “Mistakes are opportunities we just don’t see them.” “You are a bicycle and other kids are cars.”

(Click on the book to purchase.)