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The New Kid By Charles Mills
“If you were a new kid in school, and you didn’t know anyone, and you felt like a stranger, and maybe you had a hard time understanding what the teacher was saying because you didn’t speak the language all that well, how would you feel?”
18 Pacific Union Recorder
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nything exciting happen at school today?” Mom asked as Jerry lowered himself into his favorite chair. “Well, sort of,” the boy replied. “A new kid sat next to me in science class.” “New kid?” “Yup. Some guy from a country far away. Syria or India or Africa or somewhere.” Mom smiled. “Oh. That’s nice. What did he say to you?” “Nothing.” “What did you say to him?” “Nothing.” The woman frowned. “You guys didn’t talk to each other?” Jerry shook his head. “Why should I? I don’t even know him. And, he doesn’t know me. Besides, we’ve got nothing to talk about.” “I can think of one thing,” Mom pressed. “What?” “Science! You were both in science class!” “Well, yes. But I don’t think I’m going to hang out with him anyway. He looks strange.” “Strange? What do you mean?” “I don’t know. Maybe not strange. Maybe just different. His hair, his skin, his eyes. Even the way he talks. You know, different.” The woman settled herself on the footstool beside Jerry’s chair. “Let me ask you a question.” “OK.” “
