New

by Niña Mata

Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata’s first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of “new.”

In the big city, everything feels new.

School is new. The people are new. And the glares and stares you get for being different are new.

But new can also mean new beginnings . . .

A child's-eye view of the common immigrant experience of adjusting to an unfamiliar place, Mata’s picture book debut is a delightfully illustrated masterpiece that will resonate with any child who embarks on a new adventure.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Asian Literature, Back To School, School, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Laura (Librarian) Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for a read with a class or your child to help them see how nervous a new kid who has moved in or immigrated from another coutnry feels when going to school for the first time. A gentle reminder of how we can invite them to play and feel included.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and joyous take on being the new kid in school- as well as being new in a new country- and overcoming all the challenges that entails.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A diverse choice for a ''back-to-school" story of a new girl's first day of school, all the general jitters associated with starting the school year are covered A young girl experiences the good and scary of starting school in a large new urban setting. A great diverse choice for a ''back-to-school" story of a new girl's first day of school, all the general jitters associated with starting the school year are covered.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young Filipina girl starts school in the US for the first time. She reflects is short poetic phrases on the excitement and anticipation and also the discomfort and loneliness of being new.
When she befriends another new student, a friendship begins.
Simple text enhanced by charming illustrations make this a good choice for younger elementary students at the beginning of the school year.
Tie-in:
SEL: empathy, kindness, naming emotions
ELA: pattern, writing prompt.

[Moline Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book that talks about the fun things and not fun things about being the new kid. I really liked that it didn't show the experience as just great or just terrible but a mixed bag. This would be a great read at the beginning of school year so all the new kids feel seen and all the returning kids remember to always be welcoming.

-Jenna I.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which shows a little girl's first day of school in a new place - so that everything is "NEW." The story shows some good things about being new, and some tricky and lonely aspects of being new, and ends on a hopeful note that emphasizes the joys of meeting new friends.

The illustrations are so adorable too.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is for all the new kids on the block and in the classroom who don’t feel like they belong, giving them hope until they do. Engaging illustrations depict an Asian immigrant girl who experiences all the connotations of what “new” means, especially on the first day of school, including the joy of making a new friend.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I kind of want to buy this for a "Welcome" book basket for the kids who show up from the countries on a regular basis, but probably nobody in the family will be able to read it ... could maybe use for a lesson about reaching out to new students? But in the book, the new kids are the only ones who interact with each other. Hmm.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl is new to her school and meets another girl who is new as well. She talks about all the ways being "new" can feel. Like exciting and scary. Curious and sad. Nice addition to stories about immigrant families/kids.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Shows how excitement and nerves, joy and homesickness, can all exist at the same time.
"But what if new is a journey? What if it leads us to someplace, to someone, extraordinary?"

[Josh Campeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about being the new kid at school and though it may be hard trying to fit in, you may be able to find a new friend. Would be a great 1-1 read. Could work for a story time, but probably only for ages 4+.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read aloud for the start of school.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found in L4L Volume 168.

[Olivia Delisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story! I think that it would be great for the first day or even after christmas break! So reasurring!

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There can never be enough books like this, especially with this current political climate.

[Miss Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book follows the first day of school of a young girl that has just moved to a new country. It opens with her excitement at having new school supplies and the adventure of a new school, but as her school day continues she struggles with fitting in and learning the rules at her new school. It ends with her making a new friend and being hopeful for her future in her new home. Illustrations include progressive endpages showing a map of the home she left and her new home. Color is used to great effect to display the main character’s excitement and trepidation throughout her first day of school. Recommended for purchase for any library serving children aged 4 to 8.