The title and cover illustration let you know what’s going on. Marshall Armstrong doesn’t seem to fit in with his new classmates. He plays differently, eats differently, and doesn’t look the same at all. Although the plot is predictable – Marshall’s classmates learn to appreciate his different interests when they all come to his house for his birthday – the story is still sweet. Usually, books about tolerance focus on children of a different race, nationality, or ability level. In this one, Marshall’s just a nerd. But the kids at his school come to understand that nerds can be the coolest kids of all. ( )

A fun and quirky book with great illustrations. Was a fun read-aloud. ( )

Summary: Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School is a story told by a boy who has to sit by the new boy in school, Marshall. The boy doesn’t want to sit by Marshall because he is different. The boy doesn’t think that Marshall fits in, and he doesn’t want to be Marshall’s friend. Marshall invites the class to his birthday party, and the boy does not want to go. His Mom makes him though, and he ends up having a lot of fun! The things in that had made Marshall different at school lead to fun things to do at Marshall’s house. The boy ends up liking Marshall, and at the end of the book when another new student arrives, the boy wants to sit by her too.

Personal Reaction: I really enjoyed this book! The pictures are well done, and the children I read the book to really liked them. It shows that you shouldn’t judge someone before you get to know them! Even though Marshall was different, the boy ended up having a lot of fun with him.

Classroom Extension Ideas: This would be a great book to read before the arrival of a new student in the classroom. It could also be used when teaching about unity, because even though Marshall was different like some students might be, the class can still get along and have fun together. ( )