The angst of being the new kid at school is a theme often broached in children’s literature. Jacqueline Woodson takes a unique approach to this subject in Each Kindness (Nancy Paulsen, $16.99) by describing the experience through the eyes of Chloe, a classmate of the new student, Maya. Chloe’s narrative describing her indifferent, if not quite cruel, behavior towards Maya is tinged with a hint of guilt. She joins her friends in ignoring and even ridiculing her new classmate, but the reader gains a sense of reticence in her indifference. E.B. Lewis’s lifelike watercolor illustrations beautifully portray the poignancy of Chloe’s inner conflict. Maya unexpectedly moves away and there is no resolution for Chloe, other than regret for her unkindness and the assumption she will behave differently when she finds the next new kid sitting in her classroom. Ages 5-9. RBB