The New Kid's Secret

by Emma Hartwell

A new friend can be found in the most unexpected places.

Grade 2: Transitional readers10 pages

A shy new student struggles to make friends until they discover a classmate shares their unusual hobby

Characters

Maya

Jordan

+3 more

Style

Chalk & Pastel

Story

Story Arc

Maya watched children playing games on the sunny schoolyard. Their laughter drifted like bright balloons. She clutched her backpack straps, standing a little apart. The world felt big and busy around her.

A boy with bouncy curls zipped past, calling out excitedly. He stopped near a group of children, waving his arms. They quickly scattered, giggling. The boy’s smile faltered, just for a moment.

Later, in the classroom, Maya sat quietly at her desk. She drew a tiny star on her paper. The same boy from the playground, Jordan, sat near the front. He raised his hand with a burst of energy.

Recess came again. Maya found a quiet bench under a big oak tree. She watched the other kids. Jordan was kicking a ball by himself, his curly hair bouncing. He seemed to have a lot of happy energy.

When school ended, Maya walked home a different way. She knew a secret path. It led down a small hill, past tall swaying grass. A special place was waiting.

The path opened to a trickling creek. Smooth, grey stones lined its edge. Maya carefully stepped into the cool water. She liked searching for treasures the creek held.

Suddenly, a splash! Maya looked up, startled. Jordan stood a few feet away, wading into the creek. He held a small, worn net. His hazel eyes were wide with excitement as he peered into the water.

Jordan looked at Maya, then down at her hand, where she still held her smooth rock. His excited grin softened. “Are you looking for creek wonders?” he asked, his voice a little quieter.

Maya nodded, holding up her stone. Jordan carefully reached into his olive green backpack. He pulled out a small, flat stone. It had shiny flecks like tiny stars.

The next morning, at school, Maya saw Jordan by the classroom door. He gave a small wave. Maya smiled, a warm, soft smile, and waved back. The big, busy world felt a little friendlier.

The end

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Words to know

drifted: To float gently on the air or water, like a cloud or a leaf.; Their laughter drifted like bright balloons.
faltered: To stop or hesitate for a short time, like when you forget what to say.; The boy’s smile faltered, just for a moment.
burst: A sudden and strong release of something, like energy or sound.; He raised his hand with a burst of energy.
swaying: Moving gently back and forth, like trees in the wind.; It led down a small hill, past tall swaying grass.
trickling: A very small stream of liquid flowing slowly.; The path opened to a trickling creek.
wading: To walk through water that is not very deep.; Jordan stood a few feet away, wading into the creek.
peered: To look closely or curiously at something, especially something hard to see.; His hazel eyes were wide with excitement as he peered into the water.
flecks: Tiny specks or spots of color or light.; It had shiny flecks like tiny stars.

Talk about it

Questions to ask after reading together.

1
Why do you think Jordan looked sad for a moment on the playground?
2
How did Maya’s feelings about school change after meeting Jordan by the creek?
3
When you feel shy, what’s a special place or activity that makes you feel better?