Front Desk
By Kelly Yang
Mia Tang, a determined Chinese-American girl, stands up against injustice, while navigating friendship, poverty, and immigration.
Worksheets
Mia learns the motel job is dangerous and unfair, but she shows courage and creativity in trying to improve things while growing closer to Hank, Lupe, and her family.
Mia’s immigrant family takes a job managing the Calivista Motel, where Mia struggles with school, mistakes at the front desk, and Mr. Yao’s unfair treatment.
Class 1
Class 2
As tensions rise around Proposition 187 and anti-immigrant hate, Mia finds strength through friendships, standing up for kindness, and beginning to believe in her own writing voice.
Class 3
Lupe’s father is detained, sparking “Operation Save José,” and Mia and her friends confront injustice, inequality, and dashed hopes while deepening their bonds of loyalty and courage.
Class 4
With resilience and community support, Mia and her friends fight for José, face prejudice head-on, and gain confidence in their voices through writing, protest, and friendship.
Class 5
Amid the fear caused by Prop 187, Mia discovers the strength of loyalty, family, and community, and begins to see her writing as a tool for change.
Class 6
The Calivista reopens with a joyful grand celebration, symbolizing Mia’s growth, her family’s perseverance, and the community’s triumph against hardship.