Meet Mia at the Front Desk
Front Desk introduces the Tang family, the motel community, and the challenges and friendships that shape every later book.
Book Series · 6 Books
Front Desk Books
In order from Front Desk to Chef's Secret. Part of Front Desk: The Graphic Novel.
Six warm, socially aware middle-grade novels follow Mia Tang, her family, and their community as they build a life around a California motel and stand up for one another.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Front Desk Books
Read the books in publication order, beginning with Front Desk. The first five follow Mia and her community through connected family, school, and business changes. Chef's Secret shifts the lead to Mia's friend Jason while continuing the same world, so it works best after Top Story.
Sources: Kelly Yang's official book list, Scholastic's official Kelly Yang books page.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The series is hopeful and often funny, but it deals directly with racism, poverty, immigration insecurity, exploitation, bullying, and the pressure children feel to protect their families. There are frightening encounters with cruel adults and discussions of unfair systems, balanced by friendship, organizing, generosity, and meaningful adult support.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$1797
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018
Front Desk
By Kelly Yang
A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.
298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Mia Tang juggles managing a motel, hiding immigrants, and dreaming of becoming a writer. With her parents' secret at risk of exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao, Mia must summon all her courage and kindness. Can she protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion despite her mother's doubts? Discover Mia's journey of resilience and hope in a world where every choice counts.
In reading order
Front Desk Series
6 books · Published 2018–2025
#1
Sale price
$1797
Front Desk
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018
A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.
#2
Sale price
$1697
Three Keys
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020
Mia faces school struggles, motel troubles, and a looming law threatening her world.
#3
Sale price
$1697
Room to Dream
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021
Mia's dream trip to China reveals personal and community challenges. Can she navigate change and find her path?
#4
Sale price
$1697
Key Player
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022
Mia must score interviews with secretive soccer teams to boost her grade and unite her dual identities.
#5
Sale price
$1797
Top Story
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023
Mia faces rivalry, friendship shifts, and a secret crush during a challenging journalism camp.
#6
Sale price
$1797
Chef's Secret
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025
A young chef juggles secrets, romance, and a motel's demands.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Front Desk series?
There are 6 books in the Front Desk series. It began with Front Desk in 2018, and the newest book, Chef's Secret, was published in 2025.
What order should you read the Front Desk books in?
Start with Front Desk and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #6.
What ages are the Front Desk books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Front Desk book is the longest?
Room to Dream (Book #3) is the longest book in the series at 69,035 words (320 pages).
Which Front Desk book is the shortest?
Chef's Secret (Book #6) is the shortest at 52,868 words (240 pages).
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