The book centers around a high school senior of Korean-American descent who struggles with the expectations of his traditional parents and his own Southern California upbringing. Caught between his parents' desire for him to date a Korean girl and his own romantic interest in a non-Korean classmate, he embarks on a fake relationship with a family friend facing similar pressures. This arrangement, meant to appease their parents, leads to a complex journey of self-discovery, as he navigates the challenges of identity, love, and friendship in a multicultural landscape.

"Front Desk" by Kelly Yang is a heartwarming and empowering middle-grade novel that follows the story of Mia Tang, a ten-year-old Chinese immigrant who helps her parents manage a motel in America. Despite facing discrimination and financial struggles, Mia finds solace in her passion for writing and her determination to fight for justice. With themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right, this book explores the challenges and triumphs of an immigrant family striving to build a better life.