This April Deschutes Public Library kicks off a month-long slate of programs as part of the 18th annual A Novel Idea community read project—and for only the second time in its history, the program is offering a novel aimed at young readers: Kelly Yang’s Front Desk. A month of engaging programs concludes with a live online presentation by Kelly Yang on May 1.

Front Desk tells the story of Mia Tang, who helps her parents manage a motel in Southern California as they pursue their American dream. As they navigate a system hostile to immigrants, they form a community based on trust and love. Kelly Yang was born in China and immigrated to America with her parents when she was six years old. She went to college at the age of 13 and law school at the age of 17. After law school, she gave up law to pursue her passion of writing and teaching children writing.

Explore a variety of discussion questions and resources for Front Desk. | Wednesday, April 7, 1:00 p.m.

Play Mia’s favorite game, but Front Desk themed! To get a game for your classroom follow the link above and register for pickup, or email Julie Bowers at julieb@dpls.lib.or.us to have it delivered to your school. | Saturday, April 10

Design a Front Desk-inspired key shaped bookmark. Supplies limited. | Saturday, April 17

Discuss Front Desk by Kelly Yang via Zoom.

FrontDeskTheBook.com: Visit the Front Desk website for fantastic teacher resources! You'll find discussion guides, writing prompts, videos, downloadable posters, the story behind the story, and much more.

Keep Reading!: Did your students love Front Desk? Read the next book in the Front Desk series, Three Keys, or listen on Hoopla now. Then keep going by checking out other books with related storylines, themes, and issues. Plus, keep an eye out for Room to Dream, the third book in the Front Desk series arriving in September 2021.