THE NEW GIRL . . . AND ME
story by Jacqui Robbins; art by Matt Phelan
pub. July 2006, Atheneum/Richard Jackson books

ABOUT THE BOOK
When Shakeeta first comes to Mia's class, Mia's curious about Shakeeta and her pet iguana, but how do you make friends with someone without getting laughed at or punched in the head?

WHERE TO BUY IT
The New Girl...And Me is available at your local bookstore - Get it through IndieBound! - or check it out online at Atheneum or any online book store.

REVIEWS

Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Robbins, making her debut, and Phelan team up for a raw and affirming book about two girls' bumpy path to friendship.... Robbins beautifully articulates the emotional stakes: 'Maybe now Shakeeta would like for me to show her around. Maybe she will punch me in the head.' As the friendship slowly blossoms, Shakeeta and Mia demonstrate to readers how connections forged with others can help us feel 'at home' in the world...This honest book does not shy away from the courage it takes to make a friend, and it also celebrates the rewards to be gained by forming such a bond. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Paul Acampora, author of Defining Dulcie
If you love picture books, you will love The New Girl...And Me written by Jacqui Robbins and illustrated by the amazing Matt Phelan. The only problem with the book is that after I read it to my kids, they wanted an iguana. Apart from that, this is the sort of book that makes sharing books the best thing in the world to do.

The News Tribune
...a sensitive look at friendship, this time geared to early primary school children...Because picture books are so short, it's a challenge to fully develop a character. But in this tender story, the personalities of Shakeeta and Becky, plus the popular bully, are distinct and interesting...The writer is a former elementary school teacher, which shows in her understanding of children and classroom dynamics.

Children's Literature
Talk about a feel-good book! This is a gentle story about Shakeeta, a new girl at school, and Mia, the classmate who befriends her...A stellar choice for any "new kid in the classroom" situation, as well as for children who may be hesitant in making new friends. The author is a former elementary school teacher, which is obvious by her style of writing. Highly recommended.

BONUS ACTIVITY
Simon & Schuster created a downloadable activity page based on Matt Phelan's art for The New Girl.

Learn more about my other books.

 

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