The story of Mia and her family and friends at the Calivista Motel continues in this powerful, hilarious, and resonant sequel to the award-winning novel Front Desk.
Mia Tang thinks she's going to have the best year ever. She and her parents are the proud owners of the Calivista Motel, Mia gets to run the front desk with her best friend, Lupe, and she's finally getting somewhere with her writing! But as it turns out, sixth grade is no picnic... 1. Mia's new teacher doesn't think her writing is all that great. And her entire class finds out she lives and works in a motel! 2. The motel is struggling, and Mia has to answer to the Calivista's many, many worried investors. 3. A new immigration law is looming and if it passes, it will threaten everything -- and everyone -- in Mia's life. It's a roller coaster of challenges, and Mia needs all of her determination to hang on tight. But if anyone can find the key to getting through turbulent times, it's Mia Tang! Watch this video by Kelly Yang giving suggestions on how to write a column, just like Mia. |
Activity 1:
Research immigration. Create an informational essay with your findings. Extra: You could also turn your research into a trifold display board with your essay, pictures, graphs, and other finds.
Activity 2: GET TECHY
Pick one of the below ideas:
- Use Google Sites to create a website for the book.
- Use Google Slides to create a slideshow presentation on China and immigration.
- Use Google Forms to create a final book test which would test the class on the entire book.
Activity 3: Art Portraits
Go back through the book looking for clues about each character's physical and internal traits. Record them on this paper. Once complete create portraits for each of the main characters. Consider the colors you use, the medium you cree with and how it will affect the mood of the piece.
Extra: Display your art in the classroom as if it was a museum. As as the docent to explain your art to the class.