Three Keys: Front Desk, Book 2
Immigrant kid continues to tackle racism in powerful sequel.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Kelly Yang's Three Keys: Front Desk, Book 2 is a powerful and timely sequel that continues to tackle tough, real-world topics including immigration and racism. Kids will learn about California Proposition 187, a 1994 ballot initiative that would ban undocumented immigrants from health care and public education. Some of the racism and discrimination that characters experience in the story include being turned away from banks, finding signs that say "whites only" at the Calivista Motel pool, and graffiti that says "Immigrants go back to your country." A kid's dad is taken into custody by the immigration police and kids are bullied at school. Insults include "illegals" and "Chinese doughboy."
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What's the Story?
In THREE KEYS: FRONT DESK, BOOK 2, Mia Tang thinks her family is on the "good rollercoaster" now that she and her parents own the Calivista Motel, but they've had to deal with many challenges. Mia's new teacher doesn't like her writing. The motel's investors are threatening to take their money back, and there's also a new ballot initiative that, if passed, would negatively affect some of Mia's closest friends. As Mia sees more instances of racism and discrimination happening around her, can she find a way to fight for justice?
Is It Any Good?
With the help of her family, friends, and the Calivista Motel community, Mia Tang continues to tackle racism and fight for social justice in this powerful and timely sequel. Kelly Yang's Three Keys to friendship -- "You gotta listen, you gotta care, and most importantly, you gotta keep trying." -- also apply when it comes to standing up for what's right. Readers will love how these characters work together to advocate for others and see that small actions can lead to big changes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Three Keys: Front Desk, Book 2 deals with immigration, racism, poverty, bullying, and violence. How do these issues affect the characters?
Why do you think author Kelly Yang decided to write a story that mirrors her own life? What kind of power do immigrant stories hold? Do any of your family members or ancestors have an immigrant story? What challenges did they face when they moved from the country where they were born?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult books?
How do the characters demonstrate kindness, compassion, communication, courage, and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Kelly Yang
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Scholastic Press
- Publication date: September 15, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 15, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
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Front Desk, Book 1
Immigrant kid tackles racism, bullying in powerful tale.
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Inside Out and Back Again
Inspiring, educational immigrant story told in free verse.
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The Land of Forgotten Girls
Sisters search for hope in heartbreaking coming-of-age tale.
For kids who love Asian and immigrant stories
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