Brooke Hauser wrote an article for the New York Times a few years ago about the prom organized by the school’s class of 2008.  Many members of that senior class had no idea what a prom was.  Inspired by her time spent at the International High School in Brooklyn, New York that teaches Engish to recent immigrants from around the world, she decided to spend a year with the new kids at the school and has just released a book on the experience.

If you’ve ever been the new kid in any situation, you know how uncomfortable and awkward the first few days can be.   High school can be challenging enough without having to deal with a new language and culture and classmates that are from different parts of the world.  Interestingly, they deal with hallway gossip,  homework, pimples and the usual assortment of teen issues, while each trying to find their own American Dream.  The book has received great reviews. Read an excerpt from the book by clicking original article highlighted below.