I'm New Here

Although it might have been more effective if actual children had read the speaking parts instead of adult narrators Tim Pabon and Adriana Sananes, this iconographic-animated adaptation of author-illustrator Anne Sibley O'Brien's 2015 picture book does a fine job of exploring the struggles of young students from various countries trying to assimilate in the United States. I'm New Here focuses on three kids: Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea, and Fatimah from Ethiopia. From learning words that sound different when heard on the playground (“throit heerr!” for “throw it here,” etc.) to variations in reading and writing methods, the short also looks at emotional issues, such as the sadness and confusion the children face while trying to fit in. Ultimately, they make new friends, learn from others, and share some of their own culture in this inspirational title that ends on a positive note. Also featuring a read-along option and an author's note from Chicago-born O'Brien (who grew up bi-culturally in Korea), this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)