ISBN: 978-0-0626-9119-4
New Kid is a middle-grade level graphic novel that follows Jordan Banks as he navigates seventh grade at a preppy private school as one of the few students of color. Jordan loves to draw comics depicting his own experiences, and he dreams of being Batman, with the ability to fit in as easily to a board meeting as to one of the "dangerous" parts of town. Jordan's classmates and teachers bombard him and the other characters of color with examples of microaggressions and everyday racism. For instance, the students of color are called by one another's names, told they will really like a certain (black) teacher, and offered books about children from broken homes. Over time, Jordan develops good friendships and finds his place at Riverdale Academy Day School.
The characters of New Kid are well-developed and complex characters. They represent diversity without generating stereotypes. Jordan's parents, for instance, present different perspectives on Jordan's future; Jordan's mom wants her son to seek out opportunities to climb the ladder of success as a person of color in a predominately white executive world. His dad, who left the business world, has been jaded by racism and does not want Jordan to have to change himself or fit into the white world. Other characters are similarly dynamic, without being completely divided by lines of race; Liam, who is white, is one of Jordan's best friends. Jordan is slightly disappointed to find that he and Maury, another black student, don't have much in common.
The setting of Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD) is conducive to an exploration of race. Because the novel takes place in a mostly white and privileged space, Craft is able to construct a variety of situations to highlight the daily realities that people of color often face. From the "salmon" pink shirts to the squash team, RAD is a world away from Jordan's neighborhood. The comic-style illustrations are detailed and fun, flowing naturally and bringing the story to life in each panel. Some pages feature bright colors, while others are done in black ink with a white background. The shape and number of panels varies, which keeps the book visually appealing. The book is divided, with clever pop culture references beginning each new chapter.
New Kid is moving and insightful. The graphic novel explores biases and concepts of identity. Jordan is exploring his own identity and confronting his personal truths. The well-meaning, but racist white characters that Jordan encounters will hopefully open readers' eyes to the inappropriateness of some comments that people of color undoubtedly encounter on a daily basis. Some people unknowingly make comments that are offensive or tone-deaf, without understanding the implications of their words and actions.
In addition to being moving and sincere, the book is hilariously funny. In one scene, we are led to believe that Jordan is communicating with the spirit of his grandfather, but we quickly realize that gran'pa has simply moved out of the city; Jerry Craft's illustrations and dialogue here caused me to laugh out loud.
New Kid is an authentic look at modern-day racism. Jerry Craft, a black man himself, is a qualified speaker on this subject. Craft states that he had children read and provide feedback at each stage of writing, and it shows. At the same time, adult readers will appreciate the sincere message as well as the humor. New Kid has earned itself a Harvey Award nomination, a place on the Kids Indie Next List, and starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher's Weekly. This fantastic novel is a treat for children and adults alike!
For a connection and extension activity, students who have read New Kid can be posed the following prompt: The novel ends with Jordan's last day of seventh grade. Imagine what the first day of eight grade at Riverdale Academy Day School will be like. Draw your own comic strip showing what Jordan and his friends will experience when they reunite after summer break!
Publisher's Teaching Guide
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