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cakt1991's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Top Story is the fifth installment in Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series, and more of a return to form, following the previous book feeling a bit scattered, scuppering my fears that it was running out of steam. I enjoyed seeing more of Mia’s growth as a writer, especially with her new opportunity to attend journalism camp. The environment presents new challenges, highlighting that industries like this are often about “who you know,” but it’s also important for the marginalized to fight to have their stories heard. And she does, highlighting experiences she learns about in San Francisco’s history, impacting the Chinese, Japanese, indigenous, and other underrepresented communities.
Mia’s personal relationships continue to shine too. As she’s still young, I particularly love her continued evolving feelings about Jason in the aftermath of the last book, not wanting things to evolve into dating, but also being jealous when he’s interested in someone else in a way that goes beyond friendship.
This is another fun installment in the series, and I’d recommend this series to readers looking for a fun contemporary middle grade series that balances the typical coming-of-age plot with deeper social themes.
emilymyhren's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
lettuce_read's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
shereadsshedrinks's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
dlsmall's review against another edition
4.0
These Front Desk/Mia books are always a refreshing reminder of really fun and excellent intermediate literature. Such a fun adventure in the newsroom, the fortune cookie factory, the banquet hall, and Chinatown.
estein80's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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? No
4.75
becca_willie04's review
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
klutzykara's review
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I have loved all the other Front Desk books, rating them all 5 stars. This one isn't quite up to par to me. I really hope the series continues, as I am still invested and enjoying the characters. I justI didn't feel like there was as compelling a plot as the previous books with less strong themes and character development. Hope the next is better.
msmadeinchina's review against another edition
5.0
Mia Tang is back with another tale of overcoming obstacles and reaching for her dreams! This time, we follow her to San Francisco where she is part of a journalism camp at the Tribune and staying in Chinatown with her mom and best friend Lupe. As Mia struggles to find her voice at a national publication, she also learns more about the history of Chinese in America and how their community comes together to take care of one another. But with Lupe thinking about testing out of high school and heading to college early and Jason having a crush on a new girl, will this be the end of the trio we have come to love?
Over the past few weeks, I have been binging the entire Front Desk series by Kelly Yang and my heart has been so incredibly full. These books are a beacon of hope and a light during dark times that we do not have to be defined by our circumstances, that we can reach for our goals. These are the books that I wish I had as a young Chinese American girl and I am so grateful that they now exist for my daughter.
One of my favorite things about this story and this series as a whole is the way that Kelly is able to have a storyline for each character without it feeling overwhelming or like it muddles the story being told. While the story is told from Mia’s POV, we still get to see what’s going on with Lupe, Jason, Hank, and all the wonderful people she surrounds herself with. Each character gets their moment to shine and it’s a testament to the power of community and relationships.
Another thing that I love and I think Kelly does really well is incorporating real history into her stories. To be in a setting like San Francisco, and specifically San Francisco Chinatown, and not talk about the history of Chinese exclusion and other racist laws would have done a disservice to the story, but it can be a bit daunting, especially for a middle grade novel. But Kelly tackles it head on and finds a way to present these terrible truths in an easy to digest manor that I hope will encourage young readers to go and do the research and learn more on their own. (The Asian American Studies major in me would scream with joy to have more people to discuss this history with!)
Mia has always struggled with finding her place in the world and that is compounded in this story by being the youngest and the smallest in her journalism camp. As if those things weren’t enough to differentiate her, she is also one of the few people of color. But her determination drives her and she is always able to make the best of a bad situation.
Though these stories are written for middle grade readers, I think everyone and anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong or like their dreams weren’t achievable will take something after having read them. Kelly writes from experience, but she also does a lot of leg work to ensure the stories feel authentic and it shows.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
Over the past few weeks, I have been binging the entire Front Desk series by Kelly Yang and my heart has been so incredibly full. These books are a beacon of hope and a light during dark times that we do not have to be defined by our circumstances, that we can reach for our goals. These are the books that I wish I had as a young Chinese American girl and I am so grateful that they now exist for my daughter.
One of my favorite things about this story and this series as a whole is the way that Kelly is able to have a storyline for each character without it feeling overwhelming or like it muddles the story being told. While the story is told from Mia’s POV, we still get to see what’s going on with Lupe, Jason, Hank, and all the wonderful people she surrounds herself with. Each character gets their moment to shine and it’s a testament to the power of community and relationships.
Another thing that I love and I think Kelly does really well is incorporating real history into her stories. To be in a setting like San Francisco, and specifically San Francisco Chinatown, and not talk about the history of Chinese exclusion and other racist laws would have done a disservice to the story, but it can be a bit daunting, especially for a middle grade novel. But Kelly tackles it head on and finds a way to present these terrible truths in an easy to digest manor that I hope will encourage young readers to go and do the research and learn more on their own. (The Asian American Studies major in me would scream with joy to have more people to discuss this history with!)
Mia has always struggled with finding her place in the world and that is compounded in this story by being the youngest and the smallest in her journalism camp. As if those things weren’t enough to differentiate her, she is also one of the few people of color. But her determination drives her and she is always able to make the best of a bad situation.
Though these stories are written for middle grade readers, I think everyone and anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong or like their dreams weren’t achievable will take something after having read them. Kelly writes from experience, but she also does a lot of leg work to ensure the stories feel authentic and it shows.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for free and have voluntarily written this review.
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