The New Girl

Name: The New Girl
ISBN: 9780545878760

by Cathy Cole

Lila Murray hopes moving to Heartside Bay means a fresh start, leaving past mistakes behind. But her first day at Heartside High brings a new crush, Ollie, and an instant enemy in Eve, the school's qu

About This Book

The New Girl introduces Lila Murray, a middle schooler desperate for a fresh start after her family moves to Heartside Bay. Lila is keen to shed her past mistakes and reinvent herself, but navigating the social landscape of Heartside High proves challenging. She quickly develops a crush on Ollie, the popular boy, which immediately puts her at odds with Eve, the school's reigning 'queen bee' who also has her sights on Ollie. The story explores themes of fitting in, dealing with jealousy and social sabotage, and finding the courage to be yourself. It's a relatable read for children aged 8-12, particularly those navigating new schools, friendships, and first crushes, offering a look at the complexities of middle school social dynamics.

Welcome to Heartside Bay for life, love and everything in between. Lila Murray is desperate for a fresh start after her family moved to Heartside Bay. It's the perfect chance to leave her past mistakes behind. But nothing is ever that easy. Day one at Heartside High School brings a whole new set of problems, and one very big new crush.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Loneliness & Belonging Friendship & Loyalty Love & Family Jealousy & Comparison Resilience & Perseverance Fear & Bravery Anxiety & Worry Justice & Fairness Forgiveness & Redemption Empathy & Kindness Moving Making Friends Peer Pressure Being Different First Day School Life Friendship & Social

Discussion Prompts

How does Lila try to make a fresh start, and what challenges does she face?

What kind of person is Eve, and how does she try to keep Lila and Ollie apart? How would you handle someone like Eve?

How does Lila feel about her past mistakes, and how do those feelings affect her actions in Heartside Bay?

What does this book teach us about friendship, jealousy, and standing up for yourself?

Have you ever been the new kid, or welcomed a new kid? What was that experience like?

External Reviews