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I'm New Here #1
I'm New Here
Three students are immigrants from Guatemala, Korea, and Somalia and have trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English in their new American elementary school. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity.
Young readers from all backgrounds will appreciate this touching story about the assimilation of three immigrant students in a supportive school community.
Anne Sibley O'Brien is one of the founders of I'm Your Neighbor, an organization that promotes children's literature featuring "new arrival" cultures. As the rate of immigration to the United States increases, topics related to immigration are increasingly more important in the classroom and home. I'm New Here demonstrates how our global community can work together and build a home for all.
Young readers from all backgrounds will appreciate this touching story about the assimilation of three immigrant students in a supportive school community.
Anne Sibley O'Brien is one of the founders of I'm Your Neighbor, an organization that promotes children's literature featuring "new arrival" cultures. As the rate of immigration to the United States increases, topics related to immigration are increasingly more important in the classroom and home. I'm New Here demonstrates how our global community can work together and build a home for all.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
10 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
September 30, 2018
I read this to my Sunday School class of 4-8 year olds. All but one of them are from refugee families who moved to the US in the last couple of years. They're a kind of rowdy bunch but once they realized what the story was about, they were super engaged, helped point out what was happening, connected it to their own experiences, and were just dead quiet listening. I was holding back tears. It was great 10/5
October 24, 2018
"I'm New Here" is a realistic-fiction book. It tells a story about three different children coming to a new home, America. They are all from different places of the world, therefore speak different languages, dress differently, and come from different cultural backgrounds. These three children face struggles into this big change, but gradually become brave to overcome this situation and adapt to their new home. The story truly captures the process immigrant children face when starting school in the U.S. This book is in this immigration text-set because it talks about three different people facing the same situation. The story in this book is easy for children to follow and understand because of the use of language. It supports a conflict and solution in my opinion for three different children, from three different places of the world, coming to the U.S. The problem in the story is caused by what each student now feels in a new country, while missing their origin countries. However, there is a resolution in the end because each student gets appropriate support to adapt to a new home, new school, and new language. The pictures are well drawn in relation to all aspects of the story. The pictures of the main characters provide a view of the individuality and diversity of each character and can keep the reader's attention while reading. They are just right because they are colorful and large pictures. The pictures also provide speech bubbles which are great to understand for what each character is thinking and/or saying. As far as cultural aspects presented, the characters propose different cultural groups while at the same time have speech that also portrays their culture. The author of this book herself feels identified with the story because she herself also went through this experience of being "new" in a new country. Overall, it is nice how the author not only incorporated one immigrant student, but two additional immigrant children with different backgrounds and cultures as the main characters. They all portray the immigrant children experience who face the learning of a new language, English.
October 12, 2015
This has got to be one of my more favorite books. I love the fact that this book not only teaches students a lesson, but educators as well. We live in a society that is filled with diversity. This book captures that essence, specifically within the school walls. I love the fact that the author poses real challenges that students who are new to the U.S actually face in school. The discussion of cultural clash and the feeling of alienation, confusion, and aloneness, were feelings who, I, once had experienced, too. I also find it beneficial that the author talks about the strengths that these students bring into the classroom as well. Often time, we, as aspiring teachers, are to concern about immersing our new students to the mainstream culture that we forget the importance of culturally responsive teaching.
December 2, 2017
Text-to-World
This book will be awesome for not only new students in general, but also for international students. It shows students different children of different backgrounds trying to adapt to their "new life" as well as connecting to their peers. Even though the new children in the book have a severe language barrier with their classmates, they still try to find ways to connect. One way to connect, will be finding something that they might have in common, as in a favorite toy, or a favorite center to play in. By doing so, allows them to create their own language of communication. I think it is very important to teach children to not only accept everyone but to also be open to everyone's background, and this book is an great example for that.
This book will be awesome for not only new students in general, but also for international students. It shows students different children of different backgrounds trying to adapt to their "new life" as well as connecting to their peers. Even though the new children in the book have a severe language barrier with their classmates, they still try to find ways to connect. One way to connect, will be finding something that they might have in common, as in a favorite toy, or a favorite center to play in. By doing so, allows them to create their own language of communication. I think it is very important to teach children to not only accept everyone but to also be open to everyone's background, and this book is an great example for that.
October 21, 2017
This book showed the life of three students from their perspective. They each had a different challenges whether it was adjusting to the language or the American culture itself. The three started off feeling uncomfortable but learned to love the new life in America.
The reason I chose this for my text-set is to add cultural variety when speaking of immigrant children. There are people who come from all around the world to create a new home here in America. It's such a hard adjustment for them to embrace a completely different culture.
I gave it 3 stars because I don't think it was very interesting. It does offer a great deal of insight behind the three cultures shown from the three individuals. It can start a conversation about the languages and cultures those children were coming from. It's age appropriate and children are able to understand the story because it's simple but it doesn't have a rich plot. There was no climax or big problem, the book seemed very monotone to me. The problem in the book was that the three students felt challenges and the resolution was seen as them embracing this new lifestyle. It has realistic characters and it even shows the setting of where they used to live. The illustrations enhanced the story. It was interesting to see their culture in the drawings and I think that's what will really capture the children's attention. What I loved most about this book was its diversity. It represented different cultures exposing children to multiple perspectives, as well as the main characters' values. There weren't any negative stereotypes portrayed. The characters portrayed real emotions within the text making it relatable to students. Their lifestyles and speech are genuine. The author connected to the story because she had to move to South Korea and she realized how people from other countries might feel when they come to America. It's a good read, I would just like a richer plot.
The reason I chose this for my text-set is to add cultural variety when speaking of immigrant children. There are people who come from all around the world to create a new home here in America. It's such a hard adjustment for them to embrace a completely different culture.
I gave it 3 stars because I don't think it was very interesting. It does offer a great deal of insight behind the three cultures shown from the three individuals. It can start a conversation about the languages and cultures those children were coming from. It's age appropriate and children are able to understand the story because it's simple but it doesn't have a rich plot. There was no climax or big problem, the book seemed very monotone to me. The problem in the book was that the three students felt challenges and the resolution was seen as them embracing this new lifestyle. It has realistic characters and it even shows the setting of where they used to live. The illustrations enhanced the story. It was interesting to see their culture in the drawings and I think that's what will really capture the children's attention. What I loved most about this book was its diversity. It represented different cultures exposing children to multiple perspectives, as well as the main characters' values. There weren't any negative stereotypes portrayed. The characters portrayed real emotions within the text making it relatable to students. Their lifestyles and speech are genuine. The author connected to the story because she had to move to South Korea and she realized how people from other countries might feel when they come to America. It's a good read, I would just like a richer plot.
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June 19, 2016Diverse Literature Text Set: All as One
Rationale: This book introduces us to three children, Maria, Jin and Fatimah. The three children are from different countries and are trying to assimilate their new school in America. The book points out the differences they are seeing and feeling about the language, the school and the other children. In the story the children make friends and are accepted by the other children by way of their “talents.” Maria makes friends by playing soccer, Jin makes friends by sharing language and Fatimah makes friends by showing her artwork. This book illustrates how children coming from different countries into a new school environment may feel confused, alone and ultimately not like the other students: however, through their talents and abilities they find similarities and ultimately create friendships.
Reflection Text-to-Self: I always enjoyed meeting new people in school, especially people that were new or from different places. I was always intrigued to hear their stories and to learn about their cultures. It always amazed me how these “different students” fit into cliques at the school, and it was usually by what they had in common either by sports, music interest or hobbies and not so much by their culture.
Blooms ?:
Remember: How did the three new children feel when they first came to school?
Understand: Explain why the children felt they did not fit in.
Apply: Illustrate ways in which you have not felt part of a group or class.
Analyze: Now that the children have made some friends, what do you will think will happen next?
Evaluate: The children make friends by sharing their talents/abilities, is there a better way to make friends?
Create: Imagine you are new to a school in a different country, write a diary entry describing your first day.
Rationale: This book introduces us to three children, Maria, Jin and Fatimah. The three children are from different countries and are trying to assimilate their new school in America. The book points out the differences they are seeing and feeling about the language, the school and the other children. In the story the children make friends and are accepted by the other children by way of their “talents.” Maria makes friends by playing soccer, Jin makes friends by sharing language and Fatimah makes friends by showing her artwork. This book illustrates how children coming from different countries into a new school environment may feel confused, alone and ultimately not like the other students: however, through their talents and abilities they find similarities and ultimately create friendships.
Reflection Text-to-Self: I always enjoyed meeting new people in school, especially people that were new or from different places. I was always intrigued to hear their stories and to learn about their cultures. It always amazed me how these “different students” fit into cliques at the school, and it was usually by what they had in common either by sports, music interest or hobbies and not so much by their culture.
Blooms ?:
Remember: How did the three new children feel when they first came to school?
Understand: Explain why the children felt they did not fit in.
Apply: Illustrate ways in which you have not felt part of a group or class.
Analyze: Now that the children have made some friends, what do you will think will happen next?
Evaluate: The children make friends by sharing their talents/abilities, is there a better way to make friends?
Create: Imagine you are new to a school in a different country, write a diary entry describing your first day.
May 1, 2016
Everything in their old school’s was familiar, but now everything is different. “Im New Here,” tells the story of three immigrant children as they try to acclimate to their new lives far away from home. Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea, and Fatimah from Somalia all struggle to overcome the language barrier, finding much of their school work impossible. While the beginning of their journey is filled with loneliness and confusion their perseverance and bravery allow the students to overcome the obstacles they face and develop new skills and friendships.
This book tells the important story of many immigrant children and ELL who struggle to express their ideas and voice through a new language. With the growing immigrant population and presence of foreign languages this story becomes increasingly important as the classroom becomes more diverse. “I’m New Here” is full of great lessons that all students can benefit from, whether English is their first language or not. The watercolor illustrations accompanying the story, embellish the reader’s understanding and further enrich the lessons of compassion, empathy and acceptance.
The story depicted in “I’m New Here” mirrors my own story as an ELL student, from the difficulty reading and writing to the struggle to making new friends and feel confident. This book is great for both new students as well as students learning about new people they may encounter in the future. I found comfort in the realism of the students struggles as well as their ability to acclimate to their new culture while maintaining their original culture.
This book tells the important story of many immigrant children and ELL who struggle to express their ideas and voice through a new language. With the growing immigrant population and presence of foreign languages this story becomes increasingly important as the classroom becomes more diverse. “I’m New Here” is full of great lessons that all students can benefit from, whether English is their first language or not. The watercolor illustrations accompanying the story, embellish the reader’s understanding and further enrich the lessons of compassion, empathy and acceptance.
The story depicted in “I’m New Here” mirrors my own story as an ELL student, from the difficulty reading and writing to the struggle to making new friends and feel confident. This book is great for both new students as well as students learning about new people they may encounter in the future. I found comfort in the realism of the students struggles as well as their ability to acclimate to their new culture while maintaining their original culture.
August 29, 2015
Even though this book is short and has little text on each page, the vocabulary is difficult and more appropriate for more advanced ELLs.
The author is co-founder of a website that is an excellent resource for ESL teachers:
http://www.imyourneighborbooks.org/
This site allows teachers and librarians to search by country and situation to find books related to the immigrant and refugee experience.
Love the site!
The author is co-founder of a website that is an excellent resource for ESL teachers:
http://www.imyourneighborbooks.org/
This site allows teachers and librarians to search by country and situation to find books related to the immigrant and refugee experience.
Love the site!
October 2, 2015
Really well rendered and sensitive book. Also highly relevant, given the current Syrian refugee crisis. This book shows the difficulties that immigrant children have when trying to adjust to new language and culture, from the point of view of three children from different cultures. It is also a very positive and hopeful book. Definitely a good addition to your collection.
June 5, 2017
This book had a simple, but clear, message about the adjustment and uncertainties that children feel immigrating to a new culture, home, and school. It struck a personal chord, since one of the little children was Jin from Korea. :)
June 23, 2018
great way to help students see the difficulties others have in adapting to a new country. also great for those new to America because it helps them see others have had the same struggles and they can be overcome.
August 13, 2018
3 students are new at the school, each coming from a different country. Their feelings of isolation and worry and frustration...as well as their budding friendships are shown. A wonderful book to help young children ddevelop empathy for those who have recently immigrated.
August 6, 2015
Heartfelt, empathetic portraits of three immigrant children struggling to adjust to their new American elementary school. Thoughtful and reassuring.
September 24, 2015
"I'm New Here" is a must for every library and classroom. A very important book.
June 8, 2016
Very timely book in light of the current political year.
June 23, 2016
Lovely
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September 30, 2019This book is all about three new students from three different countries that come to America and are immediately integrated into schools. It takes the reader through their thoughts and experiences and then goes on to show that they are accepted by their peers and that they are learning American words and how to write, too. This author has won many awards for her authentic representations of different cultures, including the National Education Association’s Author-Illustrator Human and Civil Rights Award. I like this book a lot because it shows that when students from other countries come to America and are suddenly immersed in the American culture at school, it can be hard for them, but then it shows that they can accommodate and become comfortable. It also shows American students how they can help make those new students more comfortable, which I think is a valuable lesson as well.
May 24, 2019
This is a good introduction to diversity issues for children. It shows several children from different countries and cultures who are trying to learn English in school and play with other children in the USA. The author is an American who went to elementary school in South Korea and had the experience of learning to adapt to a different culture in another country. I appreciated her efforts to show how it feels to be a child in that situation....
There is also an animated short film that brings the story to life which can be seen at the website Hoopla.
There is also an animated short film that brings the story to life which can be seen at the website Hoopla.
August 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I think as a child in the school system in the USA, it is hard to grasp that not everyone around you will speak your language, look like you, or follow the same religion/morals. I really liked the pronunciation pictures showing how a new student who is not fluent in English may hear and be confused by the language. I am always a fan of anything that promote inclusion and open mindedness, and this book does just that by showing the struggle of these students. They eventually work on their English and "find a home" at this school. It was a touching book.
March 16, 2021
What I like about this book is that it addresses a serious issue that many children face, but it ends by displaying diversity in a positive light. At the beginning of the book, the new students are aware that they look different and do not fit in to their new schools. At the end, however, they begin to find their place and they recognize that they are just as capable and valuable as those around them. I love this lesson that it teaches, and I think it would be great for older elementary students to read. I enjoyed the illustrations as well; I thought they were pretty detailed.
March 8, 2019
I read Someone New first, and I really like how the two are connected providing the same story from both perspectives. A necessity for classrooms today, and thus a necessity for public libraries as well.
January 11, 2019
A good picture book that teaches empathy and explores what it is like for students from other countries and cultures to come to an American school. I read this to my 6-year old, and we had a good discussion about what it feels like for these kids and how he can be a good friend to them.
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October 21, 2025This is the perfect book for students elementary age K–3. It tells a story about a new people joining a new school. More in depth this is a story of three immigrant children adjusting to a new school in America. this story can greatly help student's see the struggles of moving to a new place. I chose it because it supports multiple cultures within the story, while representing them in a positive light. It also promotes inclusion within the classroom, helping students understand diverse experiences and understanding.
November 28, 2018
A sweet and poignant story about three students who are new to their schools and this country. An accessible look into the experience of new students for all children to read and understand.
December 4, 2018
Awards the book has received: n/a
Appropriate grade level(s): K-3rd
Original 3-line summary: This book follows three immigrant students who are new to each of their classes. These students, Maria, Jin and Fatima, struggle to make friends and understand their new surroundings. As the school year progresses, the students' classmates show kindness towards the new students, making them feel more at home.
Original 3-line review: This realistic story can be relatable to young immigrant students as well as a conversation starter. Teachers who include this book in their classroom library will benefit by making students aware of how new students may feel, creating empathetic peers for new students. This book can also be of comfort to students who are new and struggling to feel at home.
2-3 possible in-class uses:
1) Conversation starter about how to treat new students.
2) Activity surrounding the idea of feeling left out and how students can change that.
Appropriate grade level(s): K-3rd
Original 3-line summary: This book follows three immigrant students who are new to each of their classes. These students, Maria, Jin and Fatima, struggle to make friends and understand their new surroundings. As the school year progresses, the students' classmates show kindness towards the new students, making them feel more at home.
Original 3-line review: This realistic story can be relatable to young immigrant students as well as a conversation starter. Teachers who include this book in their classroom library will benefit by making students aware of how new students may feel, creating empathetic peers for new students. This book can also be of comfort to students who are new and struggling to feel at home.
2-3 possible in-class uses:
1) Conversation starter about how to treat new students.
2) Activity surrounding the idea of feeling left out and how students can change that.
November 18, 2018
Beautiful story of the fears and realities that children who are new to a country face.
November 20, 2017
Guided Reading Level: K
Summary: Three students who have moved to the United States share their experience as they adapt to their new world in elementary school.
Writing Trait: Voice – The author of this story connects personally to the message because she too moved to a different country as a child. The credibility of her understanding is evident by the various examples she provides. This book can be used as a Mentor Text to help students understand voice in writing as they are preparing to write a personal narrative.
Reading Component: Comprehension – This story can be utilized during a comprehension lesson. Following a read aloud activity, students could draw an open-mind portrait. For this activity, they would pick a character from the story, draw the character's face and write about the character's thoughts (Tompkins, 2017, p.457).
Summary: Three students who have moved to the United States share their experience as they adapt to their new world in elementary school.
Writing Trait: Voice – The author of this story connects personally to the message because she too moved to a different country as a child. The credibility of her understanding is evident by the various examples she provides. This book can be used as a Mentor Text to help students understand voice in writing as they are preparing to write a personal narrative.
Reading Component: Comprehension – This story can be utilized during a comprehension lesson. Following a read aloud activity, students could draw an open-mind portrait. For this activity, they would pick a character from the story, draw the character's face and write about the character's thoughts (Tompkins, 2017, p.457).
August 24, 2015
Richie’s Picks: I’M NEW HERE by Anne Sibley O’Brien, Charlesbridge, August 2015, 32p., ISBN: 978-1-58089-612-2
“Skyscrapers bloom in America.
Cadillacs zoom in America.
Industry boom in America.
Twelve in a room in America.”
Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, from West Side Story (1957)
Maria:
“Back home I knew the language.”
Jin:
“Back home I could read and write.”
Fatimah:
“Back home I was part of the class.”
Immigration has always been a heated topic of discussion. At the dawn of the twentieth century, plenty of people were appalled by the arrival of millions who streamed through Ellis Island, as my grandparents did. These days, immigration is a particularly contentious subject. Amid the debates over immigration, scarce attention is paid to the immigrant kids who must quickly adjust to a whole new world.
I know what it’s like to visit another country, where conversation, newspapers, television, and signs are all in a language I can’t understand. I also remember what it’s like to move to a new town and be led into a classroom of strangers. I can only imagine what it’s like to combine the two: moving halfway around the world and beginning school in a classroom of strangers who speak, read, and write in a foreign language.
I’M NEW HERE will help kids understand the challenges faced by young immigrants. The story features three newcomers: Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea, and Fatimah from Somalia.
“I say the words again and again. They feel like rocks in my mouth. My tongue twists and stumbles on the edges.”
There are several things I really like about I’M NEW HERE. It’s clever how some illustrations contain balloon-captioned conversation written in phonetic English. It forces us to focus on sounding out the words in order to recognize exactly what’s being said. I also appreciate how each of the three new kids discovers that his or her favorite endeavor from home--soccer, literacy, art--is available here, too. And, most importantly, I love that classmates are friendly, helpful, and encouraging to the newcomers.
It must always have been tough being an immigrant child. But with the degree of nastiness and fear mongering on the news these days, it must be particularly tough to be a new kid from another country--especially if, like Fatimah, one is dark-hued and wearing a headscarf. I’M NEW HERE is a great picture book to share with four-to-eight year olds (and probably with some grownups who could stand to learn a measure of empathy).
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
“Skyscrapers bloom in America.
Cadillacs zoom in America.
Industry boom in America.
Twelve in a room in America.”
Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, from West Side Story (1957)
Maria:
“Back home I knew the language.”
Jin:
“Back home I could read and write.”
Fatimah:
“Back home I was part of the class.”
Immigration has always been a heated topic of discussion. At the dawn of the twentieth century, plenty of people were appalled by the arrival of millions who streamed through Ellis Island, as my grandparents did. These days, immigration is a particularly contentious subject. Amid the debates over immigration, scarce attention is paid to the immigrant kids who must quickly adjust to a whole new world.
I know what it’s like to visit another country, where conversation, newspapers, television, and signs are all in a language I can’t understand. I also remember what it’s like to move to a new town and be led into a classroom of strangers. I can only imagine what it’s like to combine the two: moving halfway around the world and beginning school in a classroom of strangers who speak, read, and write in a foreign language.
I’M NEW HERE will help kids understand the challenges faced by young immigrants. The story features three newcomers: Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea, and Fatimah from Somalia.
“I say the words again and again. They feel like rocks in my mouth. My tongue twists and stumbles on the edges.”
There are several things I really like about I’M NEW HERE. It’s clever how some illustrations contain balloon-captioned conversation written in phonetic English. It forces us to focus on sounding out the words in order to recognize exactly what’s being said. I also appreciate how each of the three new kids discovers that his or her favorite endeavor from home--soccer, literacy, art--is available here, too. And, most importantly, I love that classmates are friendly, helpful, and encouraging to the newcomers.
It must always have been tough being an immigrant child. But with the degree of nastiness and fear mongering on the news these days, it must be particularly tough to be a new kid from another country--especially if, like Fatimah, one is dark-hued and wearing a headscarf. I’M NEW HERE is a great picture book to share with four-to-eight year olds (and probably with some grownups who could stand to learn a measure of empathy).
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
November 20, 2017
I love the idea of this picture book comparing and contrasting the experiences of three children who are recently arrived in the US, but I think having that three storylines made the book feel a little disjointed. I would have loved to read a dual narrative version with two immigrant or refugee children whose experiences are juxtaposed side by side on each page spread. I think that approach would have allowed the author to go deeper into the emotions of leaving home and trying to assimilate somewhere new.
November 17, 2017
diverse picture book (preschool-1st/2nd grades; refugees and immigrants/moving/community)
* Prominently features diverse characters: focusing on a Mexican girl, a Korean boy, and a Muslim girl with dark skin, but their classmates are also ethnically diverse.
* Would work for a preschool storytime: large colorful pictures and short text. The content can be engaging if the kids can somehow relate (moving to a new school or having classmates who've recently come to the US). It might not resonate with ALL groups but if you have a diverse classroom it probably will.
* works OK with the "community" theme.
* Prominently features diverse characters: focusing on a Mexican girl, a Korean boy, and a Muslim girl with dark skin, but their classmates are also ethnically diverse.
* Would work for a preschool storytime: large colorful pictures and short text. The content can be engaging if the kids can somehow relate (moving to a new school or having classmates who've recently come to the US). It might not resonate with ALL groups but if you have a diverse classroom it probably will.
* works OK with the "community" theme.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews