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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Such a gorgeous book! A really accessible way to educate kids on lives different from their own, open their eyes and promote empathy, understanding and kindness to everyone - yet never in a way that feels preachy. It was heartwarming and hopeful - and the childhood innocence from Mia, and her learning both how cruel - and compassionate - the world can be both warmed and broke my heart. this may be a middle grade book but as an adult, i really loved it from start to finish, so don’t think this is ‘just’ a book for kids, by a long shot - it’s a book for everyone. Absolutely brilliant.
Loved this semi-autobiographical story of a girl and her family, recently arrived to the US from China, and their struggles to begin to make a life for themselves in the harsh new reality of America. They (as in the mom, dad, and the 10-year-old girl) get a job running a motel. It's a great opportunity but a huge challenge as well. If something could go wrong, it does and the way they deal with problems as they come up is a model for young readers about hard work and integrity.
I loved all of the characters and the story zips right along, with our main character, Mia, narrating all of the action in a delightfully fresh middle school voice.
I loved all of the characters and the story zips right along, with our main character, Mia, narrating all of the action in a delightfully fresh middle school voice.
If you are an immigrant, or child of immigrants, this would really hit home. I found myself at times avoiding to read this book because of how angry it made me. The problems the characters deal with are still very real. Definitely been a while since I have read any young adult books, but the way its written is very digestible. The characters are so complex and you really get to know most of them. So heartwarming.
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Chosen for this year’s global read aloud. I love this one! The heroine and her family are Chinese immigrants who sign a dodgy contract to run a CA motel.
Typical schoolyard angst is woven among more serious issues of poverty, racism, human trafficking, and economic injustice.
Characters are fantastic and I loved them all. The family and friendships seem true and the discord comes mostly from outside, so they work together to solve problems.
So glad this book was chosen!!
Typical schoolyard angst is woven among more serious issues of poverty, racism, human trafficking, and economic injustice.
Characters are fantastic and I loved them all. The family and friendships seem true and the discord comes mostly from outside, so they work together to solve problems.
So glad this book was chosen!!
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
What a wonderful book for middle grade readers. Yang deftly handles the tough subjects of immigration, racism, violence, and poverty, touching on them and stating facts without becoming too preachy or filling the book with lessons. Every 8-12 year old in America would do well to read this book and find a role model in Mia Tang.
Excellent read. Grateful to my niece forv the recommendation.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
