The New Girl

The New Girl by Jacqui Robins is a wonderful picture book that explains a feeling that I believe is common to almost anyone. The book begins with a girl named Shakeeta going to her first day at a brand new school. The teacher explains to her class that they should make Shakeeta feel at home. The problem is none of the students go out of their way to try and be Shakeeta's friend. The kids make fun of her name, do not show her around the school, and even do not include her in their game of soccer which proceeds to make her cry. There is one little girl named Mia who wants to reach out and be her friend, but she does not know how to go about starting a friendship. She realizes Shakeeta has an iguana, and Mia is interested in iguanas as well. Mia uses that common interest to talk to Shakeeta and they become great friends. The feeling Shakeeta had of not belonging is a common feeling many people experience, and not just as a elementary school student. My first few weeks at the University of Iowa remind me of a difficult time when I truly felt like I did not belong. I joined a sorority the first week of college. There were a group of girls from my dorm that I immediately starting hanging out with because it was conveinent since we were in the same sorority, and we lived so close. These girls were very nice; however, i felt as if I had nothing in common with them. I began to feel left out and that I did not belong. All I could think about is there is no reason to force a friendship with people you do not feel comfortable with, and cannot be yourself. A few days after I was convinced I did not belong with the group of girls, and maybe not even at the University, one of my best friends now came to my dorm room and introduced herself to me. She said her name was Abby and was going to watch Desperate Housewives, and wanted to see if I would watch it with her. I realized it was ok not to be best friends with everyone in my sorority, and was able to develop a great group of friends with Abby. Abby and my friendship reminds me of Mia and Shakeeta's friendship. We both found a common interest, and became great friends ever since!