Starting a new school can feel scary, especially when everything and everyone is unfamiliar.

Seven-year-old Riley misses her old school, her best friend, and the comfort of knowing exactly where she belongs. On her first day, she feels nervous and unsure, but Riley soon discovers that she may not have to face this new beginning alone.

As she meets Raelynn, Kendra, Jenia, Emily, and Jenasis, Riley learns that friendship can begin with something as simple as a kind word, an open seat, or an invitation to play. With encouragement from her family, faith in God, and a little courage, Riley begins to see that her new school may hold more than she expected, including new friends and answered prayers.

Riley's New Friends is a warm, faith-based beginning chapter book about a young African American girl adjusting to a new school, making friends, and learning to trust God through change.

This story is a good fit for children ages 6 to 8, early independent readers, and families looking for positive books about friendship, prayer, kindness, diversity, and new beginnings.