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4.46 AVERAGE
4.46 AVERAGE
Read this with my kid & we loved the story just not quite as much as front desk. There's a big focus on politically motivated hate toward immigrants (specifically around prop 187 in CA) that is discussed in an age appropriate way. There's so many things happening in the book that I think there was a little less space for as much focus to be on mia's development & inner voice which was our favorite part of the first book. It's still a great story with excellent characters and we hope there's more to come for this series.
This is a wonderful middle grade book, even better than Front Desk. The themes of racism and politics are disturbingly current. In fact,I read the afterward the night before the Us election and found Yang’s reflections on the current political situation in the US poignant and easy to digest for kids. Well done!
Not quite as original as its predecessor (duh, I guess), still a unique and thoughtful intermediate tale.
challenging
informative
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Three Keys by Kelly Yang is the sequel to Front Desk, and it picks right up where the first book left off. The good news for me is I read the first book not so long ago, so I was also fresh on the details. In this one, Mia and her parents are running the Calivista Motel. With this, they are continuing to do all they can to help other immigrants. This group is particularly impacted when Proposition 187 is an upcoming election issue. This is a policy that specifically impacts undocumented immigrants, and it specifically impacts people Mia knows. Things are further complicated when Mia's new teacher critiques her writing, and Mia feels she's promoting anti-immigrant views. Said simply, it's a lot for one girl to navigate, but Mia does. Y'all, these books are so good. This takes place in the nineties, but it is so very relevant for today, and I love how these stories put these issues front and center for kids. Mia is such an incredible character as she fights for what she believes in, and she doesn't give up. I am in love with this author's work!
Just as good for conversations with kids as the first book, but also with some of the same flaws: I appreciated that the antagonists experience growth (especially Mia's teacher and enemy-turned-friend Jason), but I also felt like their characters weren't always believably drawn, especially scenes like when Mia's teacher visits, hears some platitudes from the hotel residents about creating a brighter future, and suddenly changes her mind about immigration. The platitudes from Jason are even worse--I can't think of any middle school boy who would talk like he does in a few scenes.
*Wipes away tears*
I'm not crying, you're crying!
Once again I'm bowling my eyes out like a little baby. Not my finest moments but I'm glad I finally found the courage to read books that prominently features racism. I've chosen not to read books where racism is one of the main themes because it's very hard to read and I couldn't take it. I'm taking baby steps towards facing the truth head on.
Still sad, angry, and afraid in equal measures about it.
This story is very powerful and sweet. I'm still in awe over the fact that it's based on real events. I'm gonna promote this so hard if it ever gets translated. Until then, if you can read in English even on a basic level, please pick this up. It's truly amazing!
I'm not crying, you're crying!
Once again I'm bowling my eyes out like a little baby. Not my finest moments but I'm glad I finally found the courage to read books that prominently features racism. I've chosen not to read books where racism is one of the main themes because it's very hard to read and I couldn't take it. I'm taking baby steps towards facing the truth head on.
Still sad, angry, and afraid in equal measures about it.
This story is very powerful and sweet. I'm still in awe over the fact that it's based on real events. I'm gonna promote this so hard if it ever gets translated. Until then, if you can read in English even on a basic level, please pick this up. It's truly amazing!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
inspiring
Such an important story on such a heartbreaking topic. My heart hurt for reading what Lupe was going through.