With his best friend Miguel by his side, Max never thought about the fact that he was a little different and kind of shy. But now that Miguel has moved away, Max has to figure out how to make new friends and he has no idea how it all works. To make matters worse, he only has one month to do it before the new school year starts. YIKES!
In Fitting Out: The Friendship Experiment, the first in a new series from debut author Sarah Giles, 10-year-old Max sets out to make new friends, using the scientific method to conduct his own friendship experiment. While testing out his hypotheses for finding new friends, Max discovers what works (and what TOTALLY doesn't). With his scientific plan, a little bravery, and perseverance, Max finds out where he fits, just in time for the first day of school.
"...In her debut novel, author/illustrator Giles cleverly uses composition-notebook graphics to emphasize the science experiment format of the story. Max’s voice is believable, funny, and fresh—he sounds like he’d be a great kid to know. The book acknowledges, with compassion, how difficult it is for offbeat, shy kids to make friends, and it offers useful guidelines to “Finding YOUR Bees.” Its perspective on “fitting in” is also useful: “Just because I don’t fit IN doesn’t mean that I don’t fit somewhere.” The pleasingly jaunty illustrations depict a diverse group of kids with various skin tones; Max has “LOTS of curly black hair” and light brown skin.
A funny tale with great advice for those who “fit out,” not in." -Kirkus Reviews
Loved it! 😍Fitting Out is a charming book that provides a comical, raw account about a relatable protagonist who learns to embrace his true colors.Fitting Out is a mixed bag of magic, serendipity, defeat and hope – the essence of a young person’s anxious venture to seek their place. The author’s use of symbolism and characterization, tailoring the protagonist’s personal style to the narrative, make this book a bona fide page-turner. There’s even a brief vocabulary lesson for young readers to brush up on their schoolyard slang!
...author Sarah Giles' approach to the topic of making new friends is unique and refreshing. Her way of writing, the illustrations, and the formatting make the book captivating and appealing to children. The book is engaging and interactive and it pulls readers in to participate with Max. For all those children who are shy and have difficulties when it comes to making new friends, this book is a good guide. The glossary at the end is helpful to youngsters. The book will help readers realize that just because they don't fit in right away means they will fit with people who like to do their own thing, though it makes them different.
