Description
An empowering story of empathy, courage, and hope, based on the author's real-life experience immigrating to the US as a child and working at the front desk of the motel where her parents work.
Ten year-old Mia Tang moved to the US for a better life, a freer life, but so far, it's a life where she runs the front desk of a motel while her parents clean rooms. And she's not even allowed to use the swimming pool. Based on author Kelly Yang’s real-life experience immigrating to America from China and running a motel with her parents, this novel explores how one little girl overcomes language barriers, discrimination and her own lack of confidence to find her voice – and use it to make a difference. This is a sensitive story of tolerance and diversity that will resonate with readers of all cultures who have experienced the challenges of feeling like an outsider.
Review
Mia and her parents move to the USA for a better life. They want to be able to make their own decisions and give Mia a chance for a better future.
America turns out to be much more difficult than they expected, but can the courage of one young girl to face discrimination head on change things?
This book is based on the authors own experiences growing up. It is an empowering story about hope, resilience, enjoying each others differences and treating everyone the same. It is also a story of the power of a families love, as well as the friendships that you can find everywhere, if you only open your eyes and your heart.
Most of all this book is about kindness and one young girl’s determination to change her world.
Highly recommended for all lower secondary students, it will most appeal to girls who are on their own journey to finding their voice.
Reviewed by Michelle
