Room to Dream

How does Room to Dream tackle the important topics of racism and sexism in a way that’s accessible to middle grade readers?

How would you describe Mia’s relationship with China at the end of the book versus the beginning? What about her relationship with the United States?

Kelly Yang uses her characters to show the struggle over identity across three generations. Describe the differences in each generation’s relationship to cultural identity and what they learn from each other.

What is the significance of the guide to good journalism that Mia receives? How does it change her approach to writing, and what is she able to accomplish as a result?

Compare the academic journeys of Lupe and Shen. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? What does this comparison reveal about the pressures to overperform that are unique to people in oppressed communities?

Along her writing journey, Mia encounters several people who inspire her to keep going. Describe the importance of other adults (aside from her parents) encouraging and guiding Mia toward her dream.

Room to Dream is set in the 1990s. What does the issue of gentrification look like now, nearly 30 years later? Have you seen it in your own hometown?

How does Yang use Room to Dream to broach important Chinese history, such as the Cultural Revolution and the one-child policy? How does this historical context inform the characters and their journeys?