The New Kid (Real Kids Readers ― Level 1) Paperback – August 1, 1998

I have taught both kindergarten and first grade... And am currently the mother of a first grade boy. I absolutely love the real kids reader series! The topics and photos are perfect for the average beginning reader to relate to. The level 1 text is in a large font, has many high frequency words and has a phonetic theme (aka many short i words) without sacrificing the story. So many level 1 readers are either way too hard for a beginning reader or are so preoccupied with phonics that the story is sacrificed. I found that the real kids readers are a perfect balance. They allow children to use a variety of reading strategies while providing them a story they can relate to and enjoy. I have purchased a number of both level 1 and level 2 books to use with my son... And we have enjoyed all!

Leave it to the authors of this series to write another great book! "The New Kid," like the other books in this series, combines photos of real kids (instead of illustrations) with a great story, all in a format that the youngest or most stubborn of readers can read. My daughter really struggles with reading but this series has renewed her interest. Following the format of other Real Kids Readers, "The New Kid" also teaches compassion for others, a lesson we all want our kids to learn.