THE NEW GIRL: A GRAPHIC NOVEL (The New Girl #1), by Cassandra Calin, Graphix, June 4, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl faces a world of change when her family moves from Romania to Canada in The New Girl, a graphic novel by Cassandra Calin.
Goodbye, old life…
Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight across the Atlantic, leaving behind family, friends, and Romania — the only home Lia has ever known. But Lia’s heartache is overshadowed by the discomfort of her first period. As if things weren’t difficult enough! Now Lia is thrust into a world where everything is different: her home, her language, and even her body. With so many changes happening at once, Lia struggles with schoolwork, has trouble communicating with classmates, and has no idea how to manage her unpleasant periods. Will she ever feel like herself again?
Inspired by the author’s own immigration experience, The New Girl is a story about change and acceptance. —Synopsis provided by Graphix
I brought The New Girl with me on a family trip, and my 10-year-old took it and wouldn’t give it back. Here’s her review:
“I like graphic novels and when I saw the cover, I knew someone would choose the artist for a graphic novel. Plus, it looked kind of interesting.
It’s about adjusting to a new life where you have to learn a new language and make new friends.
I think the best thing is a lot of girls can relate to Lia about getting stressed about cramps and her period.
The New Girl has lots of languages in it. And a lot of diversity in it, too.
I like how the illustrations look realistic, but it still looks a bit cartoony.
The thing I would have like better is maybe a bit less drama. Plus, it’s all about boyfriends, and that’s not my cup of tea.”
If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is. My 10-year-old has read it at least 10 times during our trip, and we’ve still got a few days left. “I like it!” she says.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
