Rating: 3/5 stars
The cartoon cover hides some heavy subject matter. I really do wonder at the thinking behind that cover choice…
However, this was a good read and knowing it is based on the author’s personal experiences growing up…wow. This is a story about Mia and her family after they come to the United States and wind up managing a motel. They are swindled and taken advantage of and some of their experiences are heartbreaking. This book tackles discrimination and racism. It really dives into and doesn’t shy away from the struggle of Chinese immigrants in the 90s. I knocked it down a star cuz that ending was out there even for a middle grade book, and the picture painted was a little too black and white on all sides. But I would recommend reading.
