Everywhere across the United States, children from other countries are joining American classrooms. How can their classmates prepare? Learning about the culture, geography, and history of the new student's native country can help smooth the transition. Greeting the student with a few words in his or her language, making a traditional craft, and whipping up a well-known dish are all sure to help the child feel welcome. In this vibrant and colorful series, students and teachers can find out how to Meet a New Student-and maybe make a new friend. Fatou Toure, a young girl from Mali, will be joining David's class next week. David and his classmates are determined to learn everything they can about Mali in order to welcome their new classmate. They learn that Mali is a land rich in history, with many different peoples and cultures. The varied country of Mali can claim deserts, forests, lions, hippos, gold, ancient and modern cities, and some of the world's greatest music.

The students learn how to prepare Fatou's favorite snack, bene, and make a Malian Kanaga mask. I Bisimilla, Fatou! Book jacket.