Moving to a new country and having to learn in a new language can be very challenging but rewarding.
Anand is a little Mongolian boy who is attending an English-speaking school for the first time. What a scary experience! With time, practice, and support from his caring teachers, he gradually learns the language and things do get better.
Excerpt
Anand looks at the board then at Miss Marten. He points to the sad face and the face with the question mark. “E el gi piddr,” she repeats. Anand wipes his tears. Miss Marten takes his hand and they walk into the classroom.
Anand is embarrassed. The kids are all staring at him. He takes his seat at the little square table and Miss Marten places the communication board on the desk in front of him. “E el gi piddr.” Miss Marten writes some garbledy-goop on the board and so begins the day.
Professional Reviews
5 Star Review by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Anand went down the stairs, dragging his backpack. He wiped his eyes and let out a groggy yawn as he made his way to the kitchen for his breakfast. He was grumpy as he climbed onto the chair for breakfast and his mother reminded him that the sun was out and it was a new day. After having his breakfast, Anand took his bag, opened the door, and walked down the sidewalk. He got onto the bus and took a seat in the front. It was just like any other day. He waited for the other kids to get down before he stepped down. Anand could not understand a thing that was taught in class. His favorite period was PE. When he got home he told his mother that he was the only student who did not speak English. Will Anand be able to learn the language and speak English like the other kids in the class?
E El Gi Pidr: It Will Get Better by Dawn Doig is a heartwarming story that will connect with many young readers, especially the ones who move to new places and new schools where they are attending English-speaking schools for the first time. The illustrations are lively and colorful and they make the story palpable to young readers and help them connect better with Anand's feelings while being in an English-speaking school. Anand's experience is scary at first and, as the story progresses, readers see how he gradually starts to learn the language with the help of teachers. It is a good book for storytelling sessions at homes and in classrooms where there are children who are not comfortable speaking English. Anand's story will encourage them and give them the confidence that they will be able to learn the language with the help of teachers in their school.
