Yang follows the adventures of Mia and the Calivista hotel in
this sequel to the critically acclaimed Front Desk. Mia's family now
owns the Calivista, along with a few shareholders, and are living "the
American Dream". Resident and family friend, Hank, is now the marketing
manager and he and Mia are working towards increasing business and welcoming
immigrants. Unfortunately, they are in a welcoming minority. The state of
California is voting on a proposition taking away many rights of undocumented
Americans, including schooling for their children. This will directly affect
Mia's best friend, Lupe, whose family is undocumented. When Mia's father is put
in a detention center with threats of deportation, the girls get involved
in trying to find legal counsel to keep him in the country and with his
family. Meanwhile, a new teacher appears to be unsympathetic to the plight of
many of her bicultural students, and, worse of all, seems
non-supportive of Mia's writing. Mia and Lupe start a club for kids who
feel as if they are treated differently. Surprisingly, former nemesis Jason
joins the club, seemingly changed and different from his father, the evil former
Calista owner. Can one kid make a difference? Mia is determined to find
out!
Yang returns to the world of the Calivista and Anaheim California in the 1990's. All of the quirky motel characters are back with Hank at center stage. Mia, again, rises to the occasion and puts her pen to good use as she refuses to give up and manages to save the day through her efforts. Mia's determination and commitment to justice will certainly serve as an inspiration to readers. When her teacher gives her poor marks for writing, she finds out the reason behind the poor grades and works to improve. By putting in this effort with her teacher, the two come to a better understanding and both of them change for the better. Throughout the novel readers will see examples of how to be a loyal friend, doing the ethical thing, and being true to yourself. We also see a situation relatable to many immigrant children, as Mia becomes increasingly "American", while her parents hold onto Chinese customs. The book is loosely based on the author's own childhood and although it is set in the past, I would not label it historical fiction. With the exception of the absence of cell phones, the topics explored in this book are still happening today. Legal pathways to American citizenship continue to be impossible for many folks from poor countries and discrimination is still prevalent. An author's note in the back of the book offers the truth behind the story and sheds further light on the current situation in the US. Certainly intention driven, it will be a happy day for this country when these stories are no longer needed.
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