"New Kid in Class" by Anne Schraff follows the story of Joey, a fourth grader who moves to a new school mid-year, disrupting his previous routine that is filled with friendship. While his classmate Emily befriends him despite her friends' disapproval, some children tease and taunt Joey relentlessly about his speech difficulty while also mocking the way he plays in the school’s football competition and for being different
Despite these challenges, Joey slowly wins over his schoolmates who become impressed with his sense of responsibility. Eventually with Emily’s unwavering support the two go from being classmates to close friends
This heartwarming tale explores theme of bullying ,self-esteem and finding friends who will accept us despite the imperfections that make us all wonderfully unique individuals within a community