The New Kid: A Message About Observation and Kindness
Starting at a new school can be exciting-but also scary. In The New Kid, award-winning author Nancy S. Linddelivers a heartwarming, relatable story that helps children understand the power of kindness, empathy, and paying attention to those around us.
When a new student walks into the classroom, not everyone knows what to say-or how to make them feel welcome. But one classmate notices the little things: the way the new kid sits alone at lunch, looks lost in the hallway, or hesitates before joining a game. Through simple acts of friendship, they discover how even small gestures can make a big difference.
Written with gentle humor, relatable scenarios, and colorful illustrations, The New Kid encourages children to practice observation skills, develop empathy, and take positive action-important social-emotional learning (SEL) skills for school and life.
Perfect for:
Teachers looking for a read-aloud that opens discussion on empathy, inclusivity, and classroom community.
Parents who want to prepare children for new school situations and model compassion at home.
School counselors & librarians seeking engaging, age-appropriate books for character education programs.
Homeschoolers wanting to integrate kindness and social skills into language arts or social studies lessons.
Key learning themes:
Recognizing emotions in others.
Using kindness to build friendships.
Inclusion and acceptance in diverse settings.
The role of observation in understanding people.
Why it works in the classroom or at home:
Engaging storyline that resonates with children ages 5-10.
Promotes Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) goals.
Sparks rich conversation through guided questions.
Offers opportunities for role-playing kindness scenarios.
Whether you're reading aloud during morning meeting, adding to your SEL curriculum, or simply sharing a bedtime story, The New Kid is more than a book-it's a tool for helping kids grow into thoughtful, caring members of their community.
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When kids learn to truly see each other, they also learn how to build a kinder world-one small act at a time.
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