Brand New Kid, The by Katherine Couric
	List Price:   $17.95 Unit Price:   $14.36 You Save:   $3.59 (20%) ISBN-10:   0385500300 ISBN-13:   9780385500302 Publisher:   Random House [MD]; Doubleday Category:   Picture Books Pub. Date:   October 2000 Pages:   32 Format:   Hardcover Ages:   7 to 8 Grades:   2 to 3
Subjects
CHILDREN'S FICTION
Description/Notes
An illustrated book that will appeal to readers of all ages, The Brand New Kid introduces two little girls who show true compassion when a not-so-ordinary boy joins their classroom. Their new classmate is Lazlo S. Gazky, who has just come to this country from Hungary. Lazlo's first days at Brookhaven School are a nightmare: His 'different' looks & manner set him apart from the other children & inspire the kind of teasing elementary school kids & their parents will quickly recognize. Ellie McSnelly & Carrie O'Toole, however, after initially joining in the taunting, offer Lazlo a hand of friendship & prove to the rest of the class that looking different is not such a bad thing. Katie Couric wrote The Brand New Kid after covering a variety of news events--particularly the recent shocking incidents of school violence--that made her realize & remember how cruel kids can be to one another. As she says, 'I am hoping this book will be a springboard for parents, teachers, & children to discuss the importance of accepting & not ostracizing people who are different.' A winning combination of whimsical illustrations, a well-told story, & a vital message. The Brand New Kid, like Dr. Seuss's bestselling Oh, the Places You'll Go! will entertain & inspire children & adults alike. Lazlo, who has just moved to the United States from Hungary, is ostracized at school until two girls have the courage to befriend him. Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole were running and laughing-their first day of school was today! And they wondered just what was in store. Would this be a good year? Would school be a bore? Everyone remembers feeling excited and nervous each fall on the first day of school. It's no different for Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole. But this year, there's not only a new teacher to meet, but a brand new kid as well. Lazlo S. Gasky doesn't look or speak quite like the other kids, and no one is sure what to make of him. In fact, they respond to his arrival at Brookhaven School by taunting and teasing him. But when Ellie realizes how tough it is for Lazlo, she reaches out, and after school one day they share an afternoon of soccer, strudel, and chess. Besides making a new friend, she and Lazlo teach their classmates an important lesson-one that isn't in their schoolbooks-about accepting people who are different...and in getting to know Lazlo, the kids learn that people aren't that different from each other after all. From one of America's most respected journalists, The Brand New Kid is a heartwarming story about tolerance and the need to give others a chance that will entertain and inspire children and adults alike.