A New Friend (Understanding My World) by Hutsell Diana Hutsell

Friendship is based on the person - not where they live or how they dress. Christopher learns that his new friend Derrick is homeless. Other kids look down on Derrick because of this. However, this doesn't matter to Christopher. Derrick is his friend and where he lives does not change the friendship. "Now I guess I'm poor. That's what my mom and dad say." Derrick shrugged. "Funny, though, I don't feel any different. I'm still me." A New Friend is a story about friendship and acceptance and basing friendship on the person, not where they live or how they dress. Includes "Continue the Conversation" questions at the end to be used by a parent or guardian or in a classroom setting.

Diana Hutsell is a native Tennessean and currently resides in North Carolina. She has had the immense opportunity to travel to some interesting places during her life thus far, and she hopes to be able to travel even more in the future. An avid book reader herself, Diana has been also writing stories and books in one way or another her entire life; however, children's books have always been her true passion. She feels that children crave knowledge and that knowledge makes the world less scary. Her children's books are meant to entertain but also provide information for growing minds. Diana's core belief is that we need to accept and embrace a person's differences and not see differences as a separation. Understanding is the key to the achievement of this. She instilled this belief in her own children and grandchildren and wishes to share it with other children as well. This belief system has been strengthened over the years through her professional and volunteer life. She has worked as a substitute teacher for elementary and middle school ages; a juvenile officer with boys ages 13-21; and security for Dollywood, being assigned to assist visiting families with special needs children. In addition, she has volunteered with Samaritan House, a homeless shelter for families; Appalachian Outreach, a poverty relief organization and ministry; special education classes and field trips; and Special Olympics. Diana's Understanding My World Book Series is her way to share and discuss issues, obstacles, and differences that kids face every day in a way that helps them to understand and relate. The core theme among all the stories is understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity.