Book Series · 6 Books

Front Desk Books

In order from Front Desk to Chef's Secret. Part of Front Desk: The Graphic Novel.

The Front Desk series is a set of 6 chapter books by Kelly Yang, published between 2018 and 2025. Written for ages 8–12, most books run about 300 pages. Subjects across the series include helping others, hotels and motels, and social life and customs.

Front Desk

Three Keys

Room to Dream

Key Player

Top Story

About the series

What's Front Desk About?

Six connected middle-grade novels follow Mia Tang and her friends as they manage a motel, face racism and financial pressure, pursue big goals, and speak up for their communities.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Front Desk

Sale price

$1797

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Front Desk

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

Front Desk

Sale price

$1797

Front Desk

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

#2

Three Keys

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

Room to Dream

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

Key Player

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

Top Story

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

Chef's Secret

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).

The people

The Creative Behind the Books

The people who bring Front Desk to life.

Kelly Yang

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