Auntie q's Golden Claws Nail Salon

A funny and heartwarming middle grade novel about first jobs and second chances where one girl's summer punishment becomes a mission to save a struggling nail salon and bring her family together--perfect for fans of Front Desk and Millionaires for the Month.

Twelve-year-old Domi Pham had the perfect summer planned: lounging by the pool, making art with her best friend, and celebrating her escape from seventh grade. But one costly mistake puts her dream summer on hold. Instead, she finds herself deep in debt to her parents, and shipped off to New Mexico to work at her Auntie Q's nail salon for the next three months.

At first, Domi is miserable--surrounded by nosy aunties, constant nail polish fumes, and endless work. But as she gets to know Auntie Q and the people in the salon, she starts to see their struggles and resilience in a new light. When she discovers that the salon is at risk of closing, Domi puts her creativity and determination to the test to help save it.

A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

Author: Van Hoang
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.20w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781250365323
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2026 pg. 84
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2026
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 65
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2026

About the Author
Van Hoang is an author of books for adults and young readers, including Girl Giant and the Monkey King and Girl Giant and the Jade War. She earned her bachelor's degree in English at the University of New Mexico and her master's in library information science at San Jose State University. Van was born in Vietnam, grew in up Orange County, California, and now resides in Los Angeles.