A New Home – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A New Home

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

85%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Two kids swap cities in their minds, discovering that home anxiety is universal—and that new places might not be so scary after all.

A New Home

book

2019

85%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Two kids swap cities in their minds, discovering that home anxiety is universal—and that new places might not be so scary after all.

4.6

Jump to

Also rated on

4.6

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is a thoughtful, well-executed picture book that does exactly what it sets out to do: help kids process anxiety about moving while building empathy and perspective-taking skills. The dual-narrative structure is genuinely clever without being gimmicky, and the illustrations reward close looking.

It's not going to be every kid's favorite book—the pacing is gentle and introspective rather than silly or action-packed—but for families facing moves or big transitions, it's gold. Even if you're not moving, it's a solid choice for building emotional vocabulary around change and uncertainty.

The 2019 publication date means it still feels fresh and relevant, and the focus on two major cities (rather than generic suburbia) gives it cultural specificity that's enriching. A strong, reliable choice for the picture book shelf.

Age Fit

Solidly aimed at the 4-8 range per the publisher, and that feels right. Younger preschoolers can appreciate it as a read-aloud, while early readers can tackle it independently. The emotional themes resonate most with kids old enough to understand what moving means (so probably 4+), and it'll feel too young for most kids past 3rd grade unless they're actively dealing with a move.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A tender, emotionally intelligent picture book that validates children's fears about moving while modeling empathy and resilience. The parallel narrative structure shows two kids experiencing the same anxieties simultaneously, normalizing these feelings without drama or chaos. The tone is gentle and reassuring, acknowledging legitimate worries (missing friends, unfamiliar food, new schools) without minimizing them.

Imaginative

The dual-narrative structure is clever—two children literally swapping cities creates a symmetrical storytelling device that invites kids to compare and contrast urban environments. The detailed illustrations of Mexico City and New York City encourage visual exploration and pattern-finding. The back matter with fascinating city facts extends the imaginative engagement beyond the story itself, though the concept is more thoughtful than wildly inventive.

Safe

Picture book about moving cities with zero content concerns. No violence, scary imagery, or inappropriate themes. The emotional content (anxiety about change) is age-appropriate and handled with care. The parallel structure means nothing surprising or jarring happens—just two kids contemplating a big life change.

Enriching

Builds emotional vocabulary around change, transition, and resilience. The parallel structure naturally teaches perspective-taking—kids see that someone else might be excited about the very place they're leaving. The back matter with city facts adds educational value about geography, culture, and urban life. Particularly valuable for kids facing moves or major transitions, helping them process complex feelings about leaving familiar places.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The parallel narrative is genuinely clever—watching two kids worry about moving TO each other's cities creates natural empathy and perspective
Validates real anxieties about moving (missing friends, unfamiliar food, new schools) without getting heavy-handed or preachy
Detailed illustrations of Mexico City and New York City are packed with visual details that reward multiple readings
Back matter includes fascinating facts about both cities, extending the learning beyond the story
Perfect conversation starter for families facing moves, new schools, or any major transition

⚠

What to Watch For

Best impact if your kid is actually facing a move or big change—otherwise it's just a pleasant story
The gentle pacing and introspective tone might not grab kids looking for action or silliness
Some kids might need help understanding the parallel narrative structure at first

Conversation Starters

"What do you think you'd miss most if we moved to a new city? What might be exciting about it?"
"Have you ever felt nervous about something new, and then it turned out better than you expected?"
"What do you think makes a place feel like home? Is it the place itself, or the people, or something else?"
"If you could move anywhere for a year and then come back, where would you pick?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic