Play Book Tag discussion

I haven't had a chance yet to read the first book in the Front Desk series but when Book 2, Three Keys came up on my Subdue gameboard I was interested to see the immigration angle from the perspective of a middle grade reader.

Three Keys picks up a few months after events in Front Desk. Mia’s family now owns the Calivista motel, along with investors she and the community found to help back the purchase. Three Keys keeps Mia front and center, but the topic of immigration expands as her California considers Prop 187, which would severely limit it.

The backdrop for Mia’s personal experiences with discrimination come into focus when Mia and her best friend Lupe Garcia begin school. Her teacher is a proponent of the measure and classmates make derogatory remarks about immigrants. When Lupe’s father is imprisoned and faces deportation, Mia tries to find a way to get him freed and allowed to stay in the U.S.

I like the way Mia’s parents provide her with traditional Chinese values, while encouraging her to embrace American culture. This is an exceptionally good friendship story, not just of the children, but of many of the characters and includes some intergenerational friendships. Jason wants to be Mia's friend and make up for what his father did in the first book but Lupe doesn't like him. Mia wants them all to practice the three keys of friendship: listen, care, and keep trying.

I thought this book was a great way for parents to explore issues like immigration, deportation, racism, and friendship in a way that is both accessible and easy for younger readers to understand. It encourages compassion and understanding. I thought this was a wonderful, thought provoking book and recommend it to both adults and children for some important discussion points. Plus, it's got great characters and a plot that is just as meaningful as it is important.

Great review. I was worried it might be too young, but your review reassures me that I’ll probably like it too. I have Front Desk on my list. I liked the preview and the setup.

I’m confused though… Did you read Front Desk or Three Keys?

Thanks Nancy. I didn't even notice I had the wrong title. I had both the books on my Subdue board and this one came up first. I thought it was a good story that addressed an important issue in a way that was realistic.