Have you ever wondered how kids from other countries spend their time in school? In this lively addition to the Meet Our New Student series, follow a day at school for eight students from around the world. In Costa Rica, Gabriel s principal makes an exciting announcement. In Thailand, Atom prepares a gift for his teacher. In Kenya, Mildred s class gets a special visitor who eats a boy s quiz! Based on interviews with people who live in the countries profiled, these fictionalized stories include true details about students in these countries, such as the subjects they study, the games they play at recess, the clothes they wear to school, the foods they eat, and what can happen when they misbehave. There s also a traditional craft you can make for each country; just follow the easy instructions....

A new student from South Africa is joining Kim s third-grade class. What a great excuse for a party! In order to prepare, Kim and her friends read all about South Africa, a rich and beautiful country at the southern tip of the African continent. The class learns about this country s sad history of racial segregation, as well as its amazing transition to the rainbow nation it is today. They read about South Africa s mineral wealth, and its plant and animal diversity. They are amazed to discover that South Africa has eleven different official languages, five of which are included in the national anthem. Kim and her classmates cook mielie pap, a traditional South African food, and make an African penguin craft to greet their new friend. Molo, Zaziwe!...