by Norton Juster

Alfred A. Knopf, $17.99, 32 pages

Moving to a new school and new neighborhood can be terrifying. The scariest part of being the new kid is not knowing anyone. Many kids fear that they will never make the same kind of friends that they had at their old house. In author Norton Juster’s new book Neville, the main character is having this very problem. After his mom suggests taking a walk, he wanders the streets until he makes a decision, stops, and at the top of his lungs, yells “NEVILLE!!!” over and over again. Suddenly one boy joins him on the sidewalk and suggests that in order for Neville to hear them, they must shout together and shout louder. A little girl is drawn to the growing crowd and soon dozens of kids are helping to look for Neville. Readers will love discovering the ingenious way in which a lonely new kid in town meets new friends. Juster is the renowned author of The Phantom Tollbooth. G. Brian Karas’ illustrations are magnificent. As more and more children gather together, the sense of unity shines through the pictures. The children have their own unique personalities. Help kids brainstorm ideas on how to make new friends by sharing this book together.

Kathryn Franklin