Not only is Marshall Armstrong a new student, he is probably the most different kid the school has ever seen.
He brings dehydrated space food for lunch, wears a tie and straw hat, uses a slide rule and quill pen, can’t play at recess per his doctor’s orders, doesn’t own a television and rides an old-fashioned bike with a huge wheel in the front. In short, he doesn’t fit in. So, when he invites everyone to his birthday party, the unnamed narrator is less than thrilled when his mom makes him go, assuming that it will be a terrible time. But there is more to Marshall than what his classmates can see, as they learn at a truly different—but very fun—birthday party. And having learned from knowing Marshall, when yet another new student joins his class, the narrator is quick to take her under his wing of friendship. Mackintosh’s graphic-design background is evident in his simply drawn, but detailed, illustrations. He uses color to great effect, drawing readers' eyes through the pictures and highlighting Marshall’s differences.
A true celebration of differences, this may well encourage readers to see new students in a whole new light. (Picture book. 5-8)
