Three Keys

Mia Tang is back in Three Keys, the sequel to Front Desk! Since its debut last year, Front Desk has been one of my go-to middle-grade recommendations, and Three Keys returns to the Calivista Motel—just five miles from Disneyland, but a world apart. There, Mia and her parents have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants, with classes for adults and kids. But they still struggle to make ends meet. To make things worse, a nasty state proposition threatens to kick undocumented kids out of school and encourages a string of hate crimes against immigrants. The resolute Mia finds a way to fight for her friends and make things right, while dealing with a bitter new teacher, motel investors, and parents who have put aside their former dreams to clean motel rooms. Kelly Yang again manages to pack so many important and thought-provoking topics in a short book (her books are inspired by her real-life experience growing up as the daughter of motel managers). (Ages 8-12)