The New Girl
Written by Cassandra Calin
Scholastic Graphix
Available June 4, 2024

Goodbye Romania, hello new life! Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight to Montreal–leaving behind Romania, her friends, her family, and the one home she has ever known. However, Lia’s heartbreak is dwarfed by the cramps of her first menstrual period. Quickly, Lia is propelled into a world of changes: her new language—French, her new home, and her changing body. “It feels strange being so far from Romania. . . from my friends, my family, my life. It feels like I’m living someone else’s life now. In a completely different world” (p. 24). All of these changes at once cause Lia to struggle with her classwork, communicating with her friends, and managing her painful periods. Lia hopes that one day she will feel like herself again and be comfortable in her new surroundings.

In this delightful graphic novel, middle grade children will enjoy the imperfect, yet, endearing main character, Lia and her evolution throughout the story. Lia is so proud when she earns a B on her French report, which is a huge improvement from her first French assignment in the Welcome Immersion Program. Although, Lia is forming a tight group of six girlfriends, she still has trouble communicating with one friend Wan Yin about her crush. Subdued and lovely pinks, purples, and teals perfectly complement the novel’s subject of being a middle school girl. Calin perfectly executes Lia’s vicissitude of emotions through her expressive eyes, blushed cheeks, and furrowed brows. A semi-autobiographical novel based on the author’s immigration experience, the theme of the book is all about embracing change. Front and back matter includes a table of contents and a glossary with French, Romanian, and simplified Chinese words and phrases translated into English.