Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mia tackles prejudice, discrimination in heartwarming tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In KEY PLAYER: FRONT DESK, BOOK 4, Mia Tang is excited that the Women's World Cup is coming to Los Angeles, mainly because the United States is playing China in the finals. Mia's excited to see both sides of her identity represented, but she's still reluctant to play soccer in gym class. When she receives a C in gym class, Mia knows it'll hurt her chances of landing a spot at journalism camp. Mia persuades her teacher to raise her grade if she can find the athletes, interview them, and write an article for the school newspaper. Will she make her goal?
Is It Any Good?
This is another heartwarming, must-read tale from Kelly Yang that highlights perseverance, courage, and communication. Mia feels caught between two cultures throughout Key Player, something she learns Mr. Yao also felt when he was a young immigrant in America. Mia's family and friends continue to face racism, prejudice, and discrimination at school, in the workplace, and when trying to buy a home, but her interactions with the Chinese women's soccer team encourage her and other characters to dream big, never give in to fear, and to fight for the respect they deserve. And while she initially wasn't sure which team to root for, Mia understands that Team USA and Team China are playing for the same goal: to inspire girls around the world so they can confidently say and believe that they can be anything they want to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Key Player: Front Desk, Book 4 deals with racism and bullying. How do these issues affect the characters?
Why do you think Kelly Yang decided to write a story that mirrors her own life? What kind of power do immigrant stories hold?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
How do the characters demonstrate perseverance, communication, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : September 6, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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