12 Powerful Books for Kids Who Like Front Desk

Stef Soto is a middle-schooler whose family owns a taco truck, Tia Perla. Like most kids her age would be, Stef finds Tia Perla embarrassing, especially as her once-best-friend Julia won’t stop teasing her about smelling like tacos. When new food truck regulations threaten her family’s business, Stef realizes just how much Tia Perla means to her. She also learns to be proud of who she is and to appreciate the good friends in her life. I loved Stef Soto, Taco Queen and would highly recommend for food lovers, readers who enjoy books about the immigrant experience, and anyone whose parents have worked hard so they can pursue their dreams. Ages 8+

12-year-old Cici moves from Taiwan to the US with her parents, leaving behind her beloved A-ma. Cici misses her A-ma with whom she used to go to the market and cook. So when she stumbles upon a kid cooking contest, it feels like the perfect opportunity to earn $1000. The only problem is that Cici can only cook Taiwanese dishes. Fortunately, she’s paired up with an Italian-American girl, Miranda, whose father runs a restaurant (and who practically grew up working in a restaurant). Halfway through the contest, though, each contestant has to compete alone. Measuring Up is an excellent, feel-good, coming-of-age story that pays homage to the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. Ages 8+

Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized. Ages 8+

Meet Lety Muñoz, whose parents are hardworking Mexican immigrants. She and her brother are also learning English, and she’s very self-conscious about speaking correctly in this new language. She doesn’t give herself enough credit for how much she’s made. Still, this summer is supposed to be fun. She’s volunteering at an animal shelter with her best friends. However, it quickly becomes stressful when two boys set up a contest between Lety and another volunteer (who reads at the high school level) for the role of Shelter Scribe. Lety Out Loud is a CUTE and inspiring young middle grade book about the immigrant experience, pets, and building friendships. Ages 8+

Lina is finally moving to the US to reunite with her parents after five years apart. But when she arrives, nothing about their life is as her parents have told her. They live in an apartment, not a house like her mom said and her parents owe a ton of back rent after the pandemic. Things aren’t any easier at school with Lina’s poor English. When she finally finds a graphic novel she loves and her teacher wants the class to read it, influential parents at her school are determined to stop it from being read. Will Lina use her voice? This is a moving, inspiring, and insightful middle grade book about immigration, family, and sisterhood. Ages 9+

Young Jude is uprooted from her life in Syria in the midst of the civil unrest. She and her mother (who is pregnant) move temporarily to Cincinnati to live with her uncle and his family. In America, Jude — who used to be the best English student in Syria — has to join an ESL class and deal with questions about her hijab. Still, Jude finds good things in America and learns how brave she can be. I would strongly recommend this to anyone looking for stories set in Syria, fans of Hena Khan’s Amina’s Voice, and anyone in search of a story with a brave female protagonist. Ages 9+

Living in 80s Taiwan with her mother, Ai Shi (Anna) eagerly anticipates living in the beautiful country (the US) where their father moved a few months ago. But she’s in for a shock when they arrive at their cramped apartment. Her father was conned into buying a failing fast-food restaurant, and Anna’s parents struggle to make ends meet. At school, she feels like an outsider since she can barely speak English. On top of that, her parents are dealing with some unkind customers who mistreat them because they’re Asians. Can Anna find her way? In the Beautiful Country is a moving, poignant, and lyrical verse novel about immigration, identity, food, and family. Ages 9+

Yumi, the book’s young heroine, wants to be a stand-up comic, but her immigrant Korean parents want a different path for her. When Yumi ends up in a comedy camp as a result of mistaken identity, she grabs the opportunity with both hands. This book is funny and relatable and features stand-up comedy, so if you have any young wannabe comedians, it will be extra appealing. Ages 9+

After Meilan Hua’s Nai Nai dies, her extended family is split apart by a family feud with Meilan’s parents leaving Boston’s Chinatown to Redbud Ohio with her grieving grandfather. In Redbud, Meilan’s principal changes her name to Melanie, causing Meilan to delve into what her real name really means. As Meilan comes to value her name and all its meanings, she also dodges middle school bullies and works on a project that unites her and her grandfather. This is a unique story rich in connections to Chinese folktales that highlights the importance of valuing one’s identity and fighting back against prejudice. Ages 10+

It’s the 1880s, and Hanna lives with her caucasian father after the death of her Chinese mother. Determined to get an education and start a business, Hanna gets enrolled in the community school. Unfortunately, some in the community feel uncomfortable with Hanna being partly of Chinese descent and protest her attendance by withdrawing their kids from the school. Between racism, gender inequality, and loneliness, Hanna has plenty of challenges to overcome — and she does! Ages 10+

Celia’s life is turned upside down when her Mami doesn’t come home one night. Her reporter father, whom she rarely sees, comes to pick her up in his van, and the two settle in a campground while he works on a new piece about an immigrant detained by ICE for deportation. Soon she meets a group of kids who love music and are planning a concert. They’re delighted to discover that Celia can sing — especially salsa tunes since Celia is her favorite artist. I enjoyed the storytelling in this one and Celia’s voice will draw readers in from the first page. This book will appeal to grades 5-7 because although Celia feels young, there are several big issues being discussed that will appeal to tweens. This is a big-hearted celebration of Latin American music and culture, the power of community and friendships, and a sweet father-daughter relationship. Ages 10+

Maizy and her mother return to Last Chance, Minnesota when Maizy’s grandfather becomes ill. Maizy quickly bonds with them, especially her grandfather. One day, she sees pictures of several young Chinese men, and when she asks her grandfather about them, he begins to tell her a sprawling story about their family’s history in Last Chance, which is interwoven with love, racism, and community. At the same time, The Golden Palace experiences a hate crime, and Maizy is shocked to discover who the perpetrator is. This Newbery Honor book is a spellbinding middle grade book about one Chinese family’s heritage and the granddaughter who ties it all together. Ages 10+