
A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.
A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn't sound the way she's used to hearing it. She knows she doesn't fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her--and not quite understanding her.
"[A] beautifully told and illustrated story that expresses, with sensitivity and inspired use of figurative language, a child's attempt to fit with the dominant culture--a common experience that will resonate with many readers and inspire empathy in others." --Kirkus, starred review
"An excellent choice for back to school and "new kid" picture book collections. This will resonate with many readers." --School Library Journal, starred review
"[S]ensitively articulated... [with] lushly wrought illustrations" --Publishers Weekly, starred review