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Raffi's New Friend
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Raffi's New Friend

By Sylvain Meunier, Illustrated by Elisabeth Eudes-Pascal

$5.95 Paperback
In Stock Ships in 24hrs or or less
Also available from our distributor Lerner Publisher Services
$14.95 Hardback
In Stock Ships in 24hrs or or less
$4.95 Ebook
EPUB In Stock Ships immediately
Series: Formac First Novels

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Although the new girl at Raffi's school is small and fragile looking, he notices that she is quick on her feet. She ducks out of the way of classmates that try to grab her head scarf. It might look like a game, but Raffi sees the tears in her eyes. Raffi knows all about being different. He suffers from sickle cell anemia, which makes it hard for him to get around and a target for bullies.

The new girl, Fatima, shares Raffi's interest in birds, and they feed the mourning doves together. Sadness sets in when the kids discover that the dove nest had been destroyed by the previous day's storm, but the return of Fatima's father, who had been missing since she and her mother had immigrated, brings inspiration to everyone.

The next week, Fatima's father talks to their class about how his native country is being destroyed by war. By using the example of the dove nest in the storm, he offers the class a lesson about the disruption wars cause which even the bullying kids take to heart.

"This overly ambitious title could definitely spark discussion about bullying, violence, prejudice and war, but that presumes that somone can convince children to read it first."

- Kirkus Books (U.S.)

"...explores some serious and interesting themes."

Thematic links - Prejudice; Tolerance; Multiculturalism; Friendship; War

- Susan Prior Resource Links, Volume 16, No. 4

Although Meunier's novel -- a translated work -- sometimes falls into awkward phrasing, it is successful in its discussion of prejudice and violence, using a scenario accessible to young Canadian readers. Eudes- Pascal's ink sketches convey the characters' emotions with flair.

- Andrea Belcham Montreal Review of Books

SYLVAIN MEUNIER was born in Lachine, Quebec, and has written several books for adults and children. Two of his novels, Le seul ami and L'Homme a la bicyclette, have been finalists for the Governor General's award.

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Publication Details:

Binding: Paperback, 64 pages
Publication Date: 15th September 2010
ISBN: 9780887809330
Format: 7.5in x 5in

Binding: Hardback, 64 pages
Publication Date: 18th October 2010
ISBN: 9780887809354
Format: 7.5in x 5in

Binding: Electronic book text
Publication Date: 28th June 2012
ISBN: 9780887809378
Format: EPUB

BISAC Code:  JUV000000, JUV039060, JUV039120, JUV039150
Imprint: Formac

Interest age: From 6 To 9
Lexile Reading Level: 580L

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First Novels

Beginner chapters books for ages 6 to 9

Series Website

Series features

  • Engaging stories for early readers
  • Award-winning authors and illustrators
  • Chapter book format, with short chapters and amusing b&w illustrations
  • Reading level: grade 2.0-3.0
  • Interest level: ages 6-9

"young readers will appreciate the accessible text, action-filled black-and-white illustrations and discrete chapters that end on suspenseful notes" — Kirkus Reviews

First Novels are humorous, easy-to-read novels that encourage children to begin reading on their own. The series features vibrant, loveable characters, age-appropriate plots and lively illustrations. The books deal with themes kids face every day such as teasing, friendship, competition and multiculturalism.