  | Chef's secret (Front Desk Novel) Author: Yang, Kelly | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
For one thing, it's hard being a professional chef, helping to run a motel, and being a regular kid! And now that Mia Tang is officially his girlfriend, Jason's life has reached a whole new level of exciting--and terrifying! After all, Mia is amazing, and Jason is just Jason.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.20 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 555202 |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (05/01/25)
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/01/2025 Gr 3–7—Secrets get heavier the longer we carry them, and Jason is learning that lesson the hard way. Threatened by bullies, Jason makes a very poor decision and things just keep getting worse. But then he meets Mia, who makes his heart pound and his head spin. Their schoolwork, his job as a chef, and her job as the front desk clerk at the Calivista Hotel limit their time together, but they build a lovely and tender friendship that helps Jason process his doubts and fears. Jason's parents also face their own ethical dilemmas. Themes of honesty and being your authentic self are sensitively investigated, with scenes that are equally awkward, hilarious, and deeply emotional. Elements of Chinese culture are deftly woven through the story without overpowering the ever-twisting and engaging plot. Genuinely funny, heartbreaking, and sensitively written, this book will appeal to readers who are looking for a male main character with interests other than sports or gaming. They will become fast fans of Jason. VERDICT Waste no time in adding this series to your shelves. It's a winner. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 08/01/2025 *Starred Review* Yang delivers another unforgettable story in the sixth book in her beloved Front Desk series—this time writing from Jason Yao’s perspective. For the first time, readers get an honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious glimpse inside the mind of Jason: a foodloving eighth-grader with big dreams, a hot temper, and a secret he’s been holding onto for too long. Set in 1990s Anaheim, California, the story follows Jason as he tries to impress his new girlfriend, Mia Tang, and prove to himself—and everyone else—that he’s more than just the motel owners’ son. But when his efforts to fit in lead to a serious mistake, Jason must learn the true secret ingredients to any good relationship: respect, trust, and patience. Jason’s journey is full of cringe-worthy moments and emotional growth, from awkward boy talk at the country club to honest letters in Mia’s newspaper, The Scoop. Yang deftly explores themes of privilege, identity, and self-worth with her trademark humor and emotional insight, reminding readers that making mistakes is part of growing up—and that the courage to be yourself is the best recipe for life. A standout addition to a beloved series full of warmth, laughs, and real talk. Highly recommended for all middle-grade collections. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
