Key Player (Front Desk #4) - by Kelly Yang (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang! The Women's World Cup coming to Southern California, everyone is soccer-crazy -- especially Mia Tang! The U.S. is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. Less exciting, though? The fact that her P.E. teacher wants Mia to get out of the soccer field, too -- or fall short of the grade she needs to earn a spot at journalism camp. But as always, Mia Tang is ready with a plan: she'll track down the two women's teams, interview them, and write an A-grade article for P.E. instead! It's not so easy, though, finding professional athletes in Pasadena -- or bringing two identities together, even during a game. As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face prejudice, discrimination, and her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win, it's Mia Tang!"--Provided by publisher

Book Synopsis

Mia Tang is going for the goal in the fourth Front Desk novel by New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang!

Mia Tang is play to win!

The Women's World Cup is coming to Southern California, and everyone has soccer fever--especially Mia Tang! The U.S. team is playing China in the finals, and Mia feels like her two identities are finally coming together. But when her P.E. teacher gives her a C, Mia tries to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It's not so easy when . . .

1. The two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests.

2. Mr. Yao is back at the motel--as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure.

3. Mia's parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought!

As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it's Mia Tang!

Review Quotes

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, 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 for the Center of Children's Books, starred review

About the Author

Kelly Yang is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several books for young readers, including Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player, and the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature winner Front Desk, which was also chosen as a Best Book of the Year by multiple publications, including NPR, The Washington Post, and the New York Public Library. Kelly's family immigrated to the United States from China when she was a young girl, and she grew up in California, in circumstances very similar to those of Mia Tang. After attending college at the age of 13, she graduated UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School. She is the founder of The Kelly Yang Project, a leading writing and debating program for children in Asia and the United States. Her writing has been published in South China Morning Post, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. To learn more about Kelly and the Front Desk series, visit frontdeskthebook.com.