Arnie and the New Kid -- Alex Hodge

Theme 3: Children with Special Needs

Your name:

·      Alexandra Hodge

Title:

·      Arnie and the New Kid

Author:

·      Nancy Carlson

Age of reader:

·      First Grade

Why you chose this book:

·      When I read the book I thought that it not only teaches the children that accepting any child with disabilities is so important, but it touches on bullying and how hurtful it can be. I thought that the book would touch on more than just children with disabilities.

Plot summary:

·      Arnie meets the new kid and notices that he is in a wheel chair, Arnie starts to challenge him in races, where Arnie wins, and then he laughs at the other child for being slow. Arnie is always making a comment about how he is so slow at lunch and makes fun of him whenever he can. One day Arnie makes fun of the child and then falls breaking his leg and simply getting hurt pretty bad. The new kid helps Arnie with carrying his books, with getting his lunch, and just showing him around easier with crutches. Arnie and the new kid start to be friends and Arnie starts to realize how awesome he is and how he can actually do whatever he wants.