A Back to School Read for Friday's Fiction

I am starting a weekly segment called "Friday's Fiction" whereby I will review books (on Fridays) to use in the classroom. 

I bought this book on Pender Island this summer, and I fell in love with the illustrations.

This book is about a new student who has to sit at the front of the class, and sits next to the narrator.  Marshall's "things are different than mine", and he "doesn't eat normal food" is how the narrator views the new boy.  
So, we are introduced to Marshall Armstrong, who does things a little differently!

The narrator goes on to state:
"Marshall Armstrong doesn't have a TV at home.  Her prefers the paper.  His dad says it gives him a good perspective.
Marshall Armstrong doesn't fit  in at our school.  Not one bit."

Finally, the narrator is invited to Marshall's birthday, which he doesn't really want to go to; but surprisingly, Marshall has the greatest house:  
"We can run around inside and... There is a Mexican pinata to open.  We play hide and seek all over the house.  We rebuild Mr. Armstrong's train set.  We take turns to look at the sky through a telescope, and through a microscope at the cut on Jane's arm."

The narrator has a great time, and thinks differently about Marshall.
Finally, another new student (Elizabeth Bell) arrives at the school, and the narrator says, "I tell Miss Wright that she should sit at the front with me and Marshall for the first few days, until she settles in."

Why would a child/gifted student like this book?
The illustrations are wonderful, and the humour is fantasic.  All students will like this book, especially when they get to the part about Marshall's fabulous house and his birthday party!
What's life got to do with it?
This book is great to use in the beginning of the school year to introduce new students to the classroom, and talk about how we are individuals. I would discuss the idea of being new, and how that can be very difficult.  I would use it to talk about how we each have our own individual style and ways of learning.


How would one use this book in the classroom, for discussions, extensions?
Teachers can use this as a writing prompt to write about "The first day of school" or "how are you like Marshall Armstrong..." 

I would use this book to talk about identity, friendship, and understanding for others.  For example, I would talk about how students eat different kinds of food, and that it is wonderful to explore and appreciate our culinary differences in class.  I would talk about Marshall Armstrong's home and his birthday, and how Marshall's home may be different from your own, and that is interesting and exciting. 

Personally, I bought the book for the illustrations and the humour, and because I love the look of the book.  I enjoy pouring over the illustrations and  seeing how the author builds the story around the great drawings!  David Mackintosh has wonderful talent, and I am looking forward to more of his books!