Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Movies

 This week's topic is books I would love to see turn into movies.

Paging Hallmark - these stories would make Great movies:

And these books, I would love to see made into a TV series:

Do you agree with my choices?

Review: Top Story

 

* Book 5 in the Front Desk series *

Mia and Lupe are spending winter break in San Fransico. Mia will be attending a prestigious journalism internship and Lupe will be attending the math championships. Both have high expectations for their time there. But Mia does hope they get to enjoy themselves too.

Mia isn't loving her internship. She's eager to make her mark, but all her stories keep getting rejected. Lupe starts thinking about SATs and skipping high school and going straight to college. Jason and Hank arrive to help cook a big banquet for the place they are staying. Jason has a crush on a new acquaintance. Mia isn't happy about that. She starts to examine her own feelings. 

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love Mia and how she uses words as both her weapon and her love language. My heart broke for her and her new friends and all they endured at the internship. But I love how they rallied and how they tackled a new challenge. I loved the additional new characters and seeing old favorites. I loved the addition of Comma. I loved learning more about their new community and how they all came together. Another wonderful addition to this series. I hope it continues for many more books. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Commendation: A must have series for your public and school library's collection. 

Review: Key Player

 

Mia Tang is play to win! The Women’s World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever―especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when . . . 1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests. 2. Mr. Yao is back at the motel―as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure. 3. Mia’s parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought! As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it's Mia Tang! - summary from the publisher.

My Thoughts: I Love this series and Kelly Yang! This book was perfect, and it gave me ALL the feels. I felt so bad for Mia as she struggled with how to be "American" even though everyone judged her as Chinese.  I loved reading Jason's father's journal entries. It was interesting to see a different side of him. I loved the soccer moments - from Mia playing in school to searching for the players to meeting the players to the Big Game. My heart ached for Hank and what he went through. I loved the mathletes story. My heart hurts at all the racist comments and I just want to hug Mia!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This is a MUST HAVE series for your library collection.

5 Things: Room to Dream

I'm such a fan of this series. I fell a little bit behind, but I'm catching up! There's so much to love about Mia and her saga, but these 5 things are my favorite!

If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. 

 

Review: Three Keys

Mia is back and even though her life is better- it's still hard. While the hotel belongs to them now, business is up and then down. Not all the investors are happy. Some might want their money back. Sixth grade isn't like fifth grade. Mia's teacher isn't a kindred spirit; she's a stickler for rules. 

Several of the kids in Mia's class are worried about the immigration law that's proposed. If it passes, it will change everything. The more Mia talks to people, the more she learns about racism and the unfairness of the world. Can she smooth the road for herself, her family, and her friends? She's not sure, but she's going to try.

My Thoughts: I was so happy to spend more time with the characters from The Front Desk. I loved this sequel. It tackled really important issues that worry kids and adults alike. I had a hard time reading it, but at the same time, I couldn't put the book down. Mia is smart, determined, and brave. You can't help but root for her.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My library

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

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.