Three Keys

While Front Desk was a wonderful story that was framed by social issues, it's sequel is too much frame and not enough picture. It's not terrible but it's clumsily done.

OK first of all can I just say that I loved [b:Front Desk 36127488 Front Desk (Front Desk, #1) Kelly Yang https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1507986199l/36127488.SX50.jpg 51903030] but I DID NOT REALIZE it was historical fiction because it still feels SO FUCKING TIMELY. But this sequel grounds it a little bit more in specific anti-immigration policies (different from our current dumb anti-immigration policies) and I was like, hold the phone, it's the early 90s in here?? which makes sense because these kids are younger and poor and don't have cutting edge technology anyway. And otherwise the struggles are timeless.Also god can we please stop having so many terrible fucking policies in this country?? BADBut umm this book is great, though. Mia remains SUCH a great narrator, such a realistic kid voice who has these big ideas despite her limited means, and such a keenly developed sense of injustice. LOVE HER. And I love that, like Front Desk, this book does NOT mince words about how shitty the circumstances are for Mia and for her friends, but it remains hopeful and extends such grace even to, for example, their racist 6th grade teacher.FUCKING GREAT. I'M CRYING JUST THINKING ABOUT IT.