Pa Lia's First Day

This book was written by Michelle Edwards. It is a children's chapter book that is realistic fiction. The theme throughout the book is friendship. The primary character of the book is Pa Lia and the secondary characters are her friends, Howie and Calliope, and her teacher, Mrs. Fennessey. This book has not received any awards. It was published by Harcourt Books.

This book is about a young girl who is about to have her first day in second grade at a new school. Pa Lia is very nervous about finding her classroom. Her brother leaves her all alone and then she meets Calliope. The two girls discover they are in the same classroom. Calliope is very excited to introduce Pa Lia to Howie. When they get to the classroom, Howie does not like Pa Lia. The girls are assigned to sit with each other. Pa Lia is determine that Howie will like her so she writes her a note. Howie laughs and Mrs. Fennessey scolds the girls. Pa Lia confess to the teacher that she was the one who wrote the note. She is worried that the girls will really not like her anymore. But at recess she finds that Howie thinks she is very brave. The girls have a great rest of the day.
I would use this book at the beginning of the school year to encourage the students to make new friends. This book is a very good way to comfort children about first day jitters. I believe all children could relate and enjoy this book.