Review: Front Desk

Mia's parents work really hard, but they can't even seem to get ahead. Mia tries to help out as best she can, but after she gets fired from waitressing, her parents are at a loss. Then they hear about an opening in a motel. The could manage the hotel and live rent free. It seems too good to be true. 

And it is.

The owner of the hotel isn't nice. He goes back on his word. Mia watches the front desk while her parents spend their time cleaning the rooms. 

Mia hopes for a better life - one that doesn't rely on terrible bosses. One that allows her family to buy items that most kids have. She's struggling to fit in at school, but the weekly renters at the hotel adore her. 

Can she help her parents create a better life for their family?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it tugged at my heartstrings. Mia and her family moved from China for a better life, but life isn't always better in America - or easy. She deals with racism, poverty, bullies, and a belief that she won't be able to make something of herself. She wants the American dream - for herself and her parents. I love how her parents helped those less fortunate - even when they didn't have much themselves. I love how Mia grew a relationship with the weekly renters. I love how she had ideas on how to make the hotel better. I loved her friendship with her new best friend. A wonderful book to share with readers to talk about injustices, equality, and living the American Dream. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for both school and public libraries.

Review: Parker Inheritance

Candice isn't thrilled that she and her mom moved for the summer. Things change when she finds a letter to her from her grandmother hidden in the attic - in an old puzzle book.  The letter talks about a treasure hidden in town and it's part of the reason her grandmother was fired and moved away in disgrace.

With the help of her new friend, Candice starts investigating the town, it's people, and the link to the treasure. Could she be the one to uncover the treasure? Is there really a treasure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Candice and Brandon's friendship - how easy it came to them and then how they worked at it. I loved the scavenger hunt about the town. I liked learning about the town's history - even though it was heart-wrenching from discrimination to police behaving badly to horrific events. I really liked Siobhan's story; I wanted to read more about her. I loved how the two kids dug into research from family and town history, local museums, and the library. While at the core of this book lies a treasure hunt, it's about SO much more. This book spoke volumes about race relationships, bullying, kindness, family, and friendship. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute, I love the two halves of the cover, it really reflects the book's two stories.
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Review: Interference

Kate must take the high road in every situation due to her father's political career. But when her ex-boyfriends leaks unflattering pictures of her, where she looks angry and possibly on drugs, her father's political career takes a hit.

The family moves back to Texas, where they haven't lived in years. At first, Kate thinks this move is to become a family again, to heal. But in actuality, there's a seat open and her father's running yet again for office.

Kate isn't interesting in finding a new life in Texas, she's ready to extract revenge on her ex-boyfriend and land the best college recommendation she can. But of course life interferes with her plans.

Kate discovers herself in Red Dirt but when everything goes haywire yet again, she must figure out what she's willing to fight for.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Emma novel crossed with Friday Night Lights. Emma's influence was subtle at first, but really struck a cord. I quite enjoyed Kate's failing as a matchmaker and the messes she created. I loved watching her attempt to fix them. I loved watching her love for photography grow and change in Texas. I liked her interaction with the yearbook coordinator. I enjoyed the banter between Kate and Hunter. I liked Kate wearing down her aunt. I liked Kate and Ana's relationship. I love how Kate didn't back down from a fight. Her determination carried her through several tough moments. A fantastic novel filled with friendship, romance, politics, and finding yourself.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but doesn't match the book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for school and public libraries looking for more contemporary reads, political YA books, or those looking for modern class retellings.