CHEF’S SECRET (Front Desk #6), by Kelly Yang, Scholastic Press, June 3, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 8-12)
Author Kelly Yang returns to the world of Front Desk with Chef’s Secret, the sixth book in the series and the first one told from Jason’s point of view.
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:
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- 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!
- 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.
- Don’t let Mia know the real him. Mia can never find out the darkest secrets that Jason is keeping ― no one can!
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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? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
There’s a reason why there are now six books in Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series — kids can’t get enough of them. And the latest offering is another reason to celebrate; the world gets a different perspective with Jason telling the story.
While some fans may miss Mia’s voice, Jason’s compliments it — in more ways than one. Yang captures Jason with the same warm ease that we’ve come to expect. He’s lively and bright, and fits perfectly within the themes of family, friendship and being your authentic self.
Yang’s choice to explore Mia and Jason’s relationship through a boy’s perspective is also a strong choice. She perfectly captures the awkwardness and changing emotions that come with becoming boyfriend/girlfriend.
Chef’s Secret is a fast-moving, entertaining addition to the Front Desk series that’s a great summertime read.
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