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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
As others have said, the cover of this book makes it seem fun and playful. And in some respects, the story is just that. Mia helps run a motel with her parents and takes pride in managing the front desk, putting out the tip jar, building friendships with the weeklies, and hearing the stories of other guests.
These same opportunities are also burdens for Mia and her family as they work long hours, encounter racism and violence, and struggle to make ends meet.
This book is the perfect middle grade read that faces down these hardships and injustices while also preserving an atmosphere of hope and joy. I would recommend it to all fans of realistic fiction ages 12 and up.
These same opportunities are also burdens for Mia and her family as they work long hours, encounter racism and violence, and struggle to make ends meet.
This book is the perfect middle grade read that faces down these hardships and injustices while also preserving an atmosphere of hope and joy. I would recommend it to all fans of realistic fiction ages 12 and up.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
It is difficult for me to review this book because I haven't read anything like it, and I read it for a class. That being said, I think this is about as good as it gets for middle grade contemporary fiction. Not my favorite genre, but I think this book does what it's doing exceptionally well. This book tackles a lot of big topics in contemporary American life, and does it all with passion and compassion. I can imagine a lot of tweens really loving this book. Perhaps the best part is that it is based on the author's own childhood. I truly did laugh and cry listening to the audiobook. I recommend this book to tweens and their teachers!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Great fast-paced book! I read it in two days and I absolutely loved it. I could picture everything in my head throughout the story and I was able to relate to the characters, especially Mia (the main character.) I recommend this book to anyone like me who gets bored of books really easily. Overall 10/10, five stars!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Hate crime, Racism, Classism
Read this for book group. Very informative and interesting characters. Based on her true story.
I can't stop blabbing to anyone who will listen about this adorable, middle-grade tale of Chinese immigrants struggling to find peace, success and ultimately their place in America. This story is everything. Gut wrenching, heart breaking, silly sweet and eye opening. I loved every page.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced