Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Mia Tang lives in a motel. Every day while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia runs the front desk. She takes care of customers and also helps hide the immigrants her parents sometimes let stay in the motel for free. If the owner Mr. Yao finds out, Mia’s family will be out of a home and out of a job. On top of all that, Mia really wants to be a writer, but her mother insists she focus on math.

Front Desk is a heartwarming story about the goodness of people, but it doesn’t shy away from some hard issues. Mia fearlessly confronts prejudice and the unkind treatment of immigrants trying to make their way in a new country. Her story stays age appropriate for middle grade and tween readers, but it is a good way for readers to expand their world view. A highly recommended read for many ages.

Recommended ages--10 and up

More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood

Danyal Jilani wants an arranged marriage--he just wants some say on who that arranged bride should be. Unfortunately, the family of his longtime crush Kaval, doesn’t believe Danyal is marriage material. But when Danyal is given the chance to compete in the Renaissance Man competition at his school, he believes this is his chance to redeem himself. To ensure his success, Danyal recruits Bisma to help him prepare for the competition. However, the more Danyal prepares, the more he questions what is really important.

This delightful coming of age story exposes readers to Islamic Indian culture with humor and depth. Danyal starts as a shallow character, but it is wonderful to watch his progression throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of thought that wove its way through this seemingly simple romantic comedy.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Jude loves her life in Syria, but when violence threatens her hometown, she and her mother leave to visit family in the United States. At first Jude is homesick. She misses her older brother and father. Life in America is too fast and she doesn’t speak enough English. But as Jude makes new friends and new discoveries, she finds that ‘home’ can be more than one place.

A story written in verse, Other Words for Home is a lyrical representation of one immigrant’s life. Jude’s voice shows the beauty of family and friends wherever you may find yourself. Her words will help readers gain a better understanding of life in a new place and new culture.

Recommended ages--all