Chef's Secret (Front Desk #6)

by Kelly Yang Narrated by Eric Yang

Overview

The New York Times bestselling Front Desk series continues!

Jason Yao has a secret . . . actually, lots of secrets!

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. But he's determined to be the best boyfriend ever, and he knows exactly what he needs to do:

1. Plan the perfect first date. Thanks to his dad's new scheme to bring fancier guests to the motel, Jason is working harder than ever-and earning even bigger tips, which means he can treat Mia to the dinner of her dreams!

2. Be less cringe, especially around other guys. And try to make some guy friends his own age! Maybe then he can finally move on from those bullies who tormented him in fourth grade.

3. Don't let Mia know the real him. Mia can never find out the darkest secrets that Jason is keeping-no one can!

Jason knows he's got his work cut out for him, but hey, if he can date a girl like Mia Tang, anything's possible, right?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Room to Dream:

* “Yang sensitively presents issues like racism, consent, and gentrification in an accessible and engaging manner.” — Booklist, starred review

* “Fans of this series that keeps going strong will devour this latest entry.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Praise for Three Keys:

* “Mia is the heroine today’s readers deserve.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “Mia Tang returns to battle racism in this thrilling sequel.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Awards and Praise for Front Desk:

Parents' Choice Gold Medal Fiction Award Winner

NPR Best Books of the Year

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

Washington Post Best Books of the Year

Amazon Best Books of the Year

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

BookPage Best Books of the Year

New York Public Library Best Books of the Year

Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year

Top Ten Debut Novels 2018 — ALA Booklist

* “Much-needed.” — Booklist, starred review

* “Empowered.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Swiftly-moving.” — School Library Journal, starred review

* “Powerful.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

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.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193951124
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Series:	Front Desk Series
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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