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New Kid

Book 1 in the series:New Kid

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'New Kid' by Jerry Craft follows the story of Jordan Banks, a young boy of color who starts attending a prestigious private school instead of the art school he dreamed of. Throughout the school year, Jordan faces challenges such as racism, microaggressions, and struggles to fit in as one of the few students of color at the school. Using his passion for drawing, Jordan navigates through social conflicts, bullies, and the complexities of being the new kid, all while dealing with issues of diversity and racism in his daily life. is a graphic novel that delves into serious topics like implicit bias and classism, with a mix of gentle humor that adds depth to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and visually rich, combining relatable prose with illustrations that enhance the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Jordan's experiences as the new kid at a predominantly white private school, highlighting themes of race, identity, and belonging.

Setting:

The setting contrasts Jordan's diverse home neighborhood with the predominantly white private school he attends, enriching the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is suitable for middle grade readers, balancing humor with significant issues while progressing through the school year.

Notes:

New Kid is written and illustrated by Jerry Craft.
It was the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal in 2020.
The book tells the story of a Black seventh grader named Jordan Banks.
Jordan wants to go to art school but his parents enroll him in an academic private school.
The school is predominantly white, highlighting issues of race and identity.
Jordan navigates microaggressions from both classmates and teachers throughout his year.
He gradually makes friends, including a white kid named Liam and another Black student named Drew.
Jordan expresses his feelings through comics interspersed in the narrative.
The book addresses various themes including classism, racism, and friendship.
Each chapter title is a pun on popular media, like 'The Hunger Games' and 'The Socky Horror Picture Show.'
The book is praised for its relatable portrayal of being the new kid at school.
Jordan's experiences reflect real-life issues faced by many students of color today.
The graphic novel format is engaging for middle-grade readers, making complex topics accessible.
The book is recommended for students aged 10 to 13 and is often used in educational settings.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include medium levels of race-related issues, bullying, and microaggressions that may require discussions around these themes.

From The Publisher:

Seventh-grader Jordan Banks reveals his apprehensions attending a NY private school as one of the few students of diversity. "Engrossing, humorous and vitally important"-Kirkus, starred review

Ratings (5)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (13):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
1 year

this was an amazing book i would like to believe that this book helped me see life though someone else's eyes and make i easier to understand what life is like for other people

 
 
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