Room to Dream

Author Kelly Yang aims to address multiple social issues in a way that is accessible for middle grade readers. The young characters in this book face serious problems related to racism, sexism, xenophobia, consent, and gentrification. The book’s child characters experience clear manifestations of each issue, allowing target readers a safe way to explore their own reactions (and possible alternative reactions) to such events.

Regarding racism, Yang writes examples of common micro- and macro-aggressions in both settings for the book (the United States and China). The incident with the photographer demonstrates how adult figures in public education can easily make a school environment feel unsafe. The child cousins in China wanting to touch Hank’s hair reflects a common experience among Black people. Readers grasp the harm of these actions because they are experiencing them through Mia’s eyes, and Mia knows it’s wrong.

In regards to sexism, the author presents a love triangle between Jason, Mia, and Da-Shawn, which hints at what a controlling and abusive partner can look like. Jason is at times jealous, emotionally manipulative, and quick to blame Mia for how he feels instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. By making Jason Mia’s friend, instead of a bully, readers watch Jason learn from his mistakes and start to do better. There is a lesson on consent as well; Yang makes clear that Mia should have been able to decide whether she wanted to be kissed. Demonstrating the importance of consent in a middle grade setting prepares readers to embrace consent as an important factor of dating as they get older.

The xenophobia and gentrification go hand in hand, as readers watch a fight for the right to take up space happen in the book. Some of the readers might get excited by chains, like Jason does. However, because the book is from Mia’s point of view, young readers also learn what is at stake for the communities affected by these forces. The book praises those who don’t let others dull their shine and encourages readers to embrace their culture.