Reviews

Key Player, by Kelly Yang

antonique_reads's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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melodierhae's review

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5.0

I think this was the best of the series! A perfect historical fiction book centered in the USA. A gentle look at generational trauma, classism and racism. Super funny and sweet. Get the whole series and get stoked for this glorious celebration of sportsmanship, friendship, and childhood.

anacereading's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

emileereadsbooks's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 
The 4th book in the delightful Front Desk series, this books immerses you back in the world of Mia Tang and the Calivista Motel. This time though, the plot revolves around the Women's World Cup and when the US plays China she feels like the two parts of who she is are battling it out too. 

Once again, Kelly Yang has crafted such a immersive story that you can't help but wait with bated breath to see what Mia will endeavor to do next. I always like how Mia's flaws are as highlighted as her strengths to make her a well rounded character. And I loved the stories of the adults particularly in this one, as their stories highlighted what it means to embrace who you are. 

jdianm's review against another edition

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  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

becca_willie04's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

carolinervenn's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

very good! about a chinese girl and her struggles finding her ties to china and america 

rknuttel's review

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5.0

Mia Tang is one of the best middle grade characters to EVER exist! I love how Kelly Yang continues to write about such heavy topics with with perfection. This book covers racism, sexism, and so much more in an extremely accessible way for young readers. And, it s a great story! The more I learn about Kelly Yang’s life, the more I am in awe of her. She is a rockstar!

stuckintheb00ks's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

yapha's review

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5.0

Another great book in the Front Desk series! This one focuses on the 1999 Women's FIFA soccer world cup final between the US & China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Mia is dealing with an undercurrent of microaggressions surrounding both women's sports and being Chinese-American. This comes through in her parents' struggle to buy a house as well as her interactions at school. We see Lupe and Jason continuing to face challenges as well. So many students will still unfortunately relate to the racism and sexism from 20 years ago, which is one of the reasons this book (and this series) are so essential. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up. Definitely better to read them in order for a deeper understanding of Mia's world and friends.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss