Books
New Dog in School is the first book in what I hope will become a series of graphic novels for eight to 12 year olds. Roxanne suffers from anxiety and the night before her first day at a new school she lets that anxiety get the better of her. Here are some scenes from New Dog in School.
As both a classroom teacher and a parent of a soon-to-be 8-year-old, I appreciate the way New Dog in School tackles important social issues in a format that resonates with young readers. These themes are incredibly relevant, as many students experience similar struggles when adjusting to new environments.
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One of the book’s strengths is its language. The playful and engaging vocabulary makes the dialogue feel natural and accessible to kids. The way Roxanne and her classmates communicate is authentic and kid-friendly. Additionally, the graphic novel format is a perfect choice for the target audience of older elementary and middle schoolers. Through my experience as a teacher, I’ve seen how popular graphic novels have become. Many children develop a love for this format early on and carry it into their teen years, often transitioning into anime-style books and more complex visual storytelling.
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New Dog in School allows students to see themselves in Roxanne’s struggles while also fostering empathy for others who may face similar challenges. The book’s themes of resilience, friendship, and self-acceptance are important, and I see great potential for New Dog in School to become a series, addressing other social issues children and teens encounter. New Dog in School is a meaningful and engaging book that has the potential to connect with a wide audience.
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Erica Tardiff, Elementary school teacher and math specialist, Griswold Elementary School, Kensington, CT
