Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.

How a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world can be called a connection.

A recommendation is a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and their interests.

Developing responses to 'Front Desk' through rich discussions

English

In 'Front Desk: book club’, pupils developed their own personal responses to a text. In 'Front Desk: persuasive letter writing', pupils learnt about migration and explored themes of belonging and identity in the context of a realistic fiction novel.

In 'Mirror: reading’, pupils compared and discussed the similarities and differences between two families living in different countries. In ’Front Desk: book club’, pupils will discuss the experience of someone moving to a new country. 

In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the fictional novel, 'Front Desk'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of prejudice and discrimination. Finally, pupils discuss the characters in the text, as well as making personal connections and recommendations.

'Front Desk': book club

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

special qualities that make a character in a story unique

initial feelings about a person, place or thing

a text relates to a reader, another text or the wider world

Which of the following character traits are shown in the character of Mia?

Which of the following character traits are shown in the character of Lupe?

True or false? Mr. Yao and his son show the same character traits throughout the story.

a pivotal moment that significantly alters the course of the story.

a suggestion for a text that is well-suited to a reader’s age and interests.

a lesson that can be learnt from a story or experience.

Which of the following are themes within the text 'Front Desk'?

True or false? Kelly Yang based **all** of 'Front Desk' on her own childhood.

Who is the main protagonist of 'Front Desk'?

Mia and her parents support other immigrants.

What are Mia Tang's secrets that she tries to hide?

Which of the following characters are 'weeklies' who stay at Mia's family motel?

Match the following character traits to the character that shows them.

True or false? At the end of the text, Mia's family are able to purchase the motel.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz