Status
Available
Local notes
Fic Cra
Collections
Series
Genres
Publication
Quill Tree Books (2019), Edition: 1, 256 pages
Description
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Nominee — 2021)
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2021)
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Award (Nominee — 2022)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Middle Grade — 2021)
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Honor — 2020)
Kirkus Prize (Finalist — Young Readers' Literature — 2019)
Audie Award (Finalist — Middle Grade — 2020)
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2021)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
Great Stone Face Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2021)
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Junior — 2022)
Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2020)
South Dakota Children's Book Awards (Almost Made It! — 2022)
Newbery Medal (Medal Winner — 2020)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Middle School — 2021)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Winner — 2021)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
Mark Twain Readers Award (Nominee — 2022)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2021)
Nēnē Award (Nominee — Graphic Novel — 2021)
Garden State Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
Coretta Scott King Award (Winner — 2020)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — 2022)
Blue Hen Book Award (Nominee — 2021)
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee — 2021)
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2022)
North Carolina Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
NCSLMA Battle of the Books (Middle School — 2021)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — Middle School — 2021)
Golden Archer Award (Nominee — 2021)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2021)
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Honor — 2021)
YouPer Award (Top Ten — 2020)
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — Middle School — 2020)
Lynd Ward Prize for Graphic Novel of the Year (Honor Book — 2020)
CYBILS Awards (Winner — 2019)
Rhode Island Middle School Book Award (2nd Runner-Up — 2021)
Maine Student Book Award (Winner — 2021)
M. Jerry Weiss Book Award (Graphic Novel — 2023)
Charlotte Huck Award (Honor — 2020)
New England Book Award (Finalist — 2019)
CCBC Choices (2020)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2020)
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2020)
New York Public Library Best Books: For Kids (Top Ten — 2019)
Nerdy Book Award (Graphic Novels — 2019)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Graphic Novels — 2019)
Notable Children's Book (Older Readers — 2020)
Penn GSE's Best Books for Young Readers (Selection — 2019)
Idaho Battle of the Books (2021)
El día de los niños / El día de los libros (6-8 — 2020)
Read for Empathy Collections (2020)
Project LIT Book Selection (Middle Grade — 2020)
OYAN Graphic Rave (2019)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Fiction for Older Readers — 2019)
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019-02-05
Physical description
256 p.; 9 inches
Media reviews
Don’t let the title fool you. Seventh-grader Jordan Banks may be the new kid at his upper-crust private school, but this remarkably honest and accessible story is not just about being new; it’s unabashedly about race. Example after uncomfortable example hits the mark: casual assumptions about
Show More
black students’ families and financial status, black students being mistaken for one another, well-intentioned teachers awkwardly stumbling over language, competition over skin tones among the black students themselves. Yet it’s clear that everyone has a burden to bear, from the weird girl to the blond boy who lives in a mansion, and, indeed, Jordan only learns to navigate his new world by not falling back on his own assumptions. Craft’s easy-going art and ingenious use of visual metaphor loosen things up considerably, and excerpts from Jordan’s sketch book provide several funny, poignant, and insightful asides. It helps keep things light and approachable even as Jordan’s parents tussle over the question of what’s best for their son—to follow the world’s harsh rules so he can fit in or try to pave his own difficult road. A few climactic moments of resolution feel a touch too pat, but Craft’s voice rings urgent and empathetic. Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book, particularly for this age group. Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bill.Bradford
Deservedly a winner of major awards - the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature. Jordan is the "new kid" - a new student at a school known for its academics, and one of the few students of color in his grade. This is a timely exploration of
Show More
how prejudice operates, often subtly, but it also shows us the pressures that most middle school kids face. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member riofriotex
New Kid, written and illustrated by Jerry Craft, is the first graphic novel to win (in 2020) the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. It also won the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award and was a Charlotte Huck Award Honor book. This book is set in
The chapter titles are puns on book, TV, or movie titles (examples: The War of Art, The Hungry Games: Stop Mocking J, The Socky Horror Picture Show, Field of Screams, The Farce Awakens, and Rad Men). This means some will become dated and likely vague with time. Jordan's own comics from his sketchbook (always in black and white) are included throughout. Pages 130-131 is a double-page-spread called "Judging Kids by the Covers of Their Books," contrasting mainstream lily-white adventurer books with books marketed to black kids (featuring drugs, poverty, rap, and basketball).
Show More
middle school and aimed at that audience. The graphic novel format is fitting, as the main character, Jordan, loves to draw and would rather go to art school than the New York City prestigious private school he attends with financial aid. There, he's one of only a few minority students, enduring some bullying and racism, but also consistent microaggression from a teacher who can't be bothered to learn the real name of one of her black students, consistently calling him by the same-letter ethnic first name of a previous black student.The chapter titles are puns on book, TV, or movie titles (examples: The War of Art, The Hungry Games: Stop Mocking J, The Socky Horror Picture Show, Field of Screams, The Farce Awakens, and Rad Men). This means some will become dated and likely vague with time. Jordan's own comics from his sketchbook (always in black and white) are included throughout. Pages 130-131 is a double-page-spread called "Judging Kids by the Covers of Their Books," contrasting mainstream lily-white adventurer books with books marketed to black kids (featuring drugs, poverty, rap, and basketball).
Show Less
LibraryThing member sgrame
Jordan struggles to fit in at a fancy uptown school. His guide- Liam advises him to not judge him, and shows him the ropes as Jordan and a few others of color face acts of microaggression each day. Jordan would much rather go to art school and spends his free time drawing comics, but what parent
Show More
could turn down a chance to get their child into a prestigious school? This Newbery award winner would make for a good book discussion for grades 4-7. Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
After being told repeatedly to read this book I finally see what the big deal is. This graphic novel is perfect for middle schoolers, in fact it should probably be required reading. It deals with racism, bullying, peer pressure, and how not to be an *ssh*l*. I know a lot of adults who could get
Show More
something out of reading it too! Jordan is starting an elite new school and isn't sure if he'll fit in, there are only a few other black kids there and he desperately wants to make friends and fit in. As he adjusts to his rich new school, he keeps drawing in his sketchbook and learns that there is more to people than meets the eye. It's funny and inspiring and it's helping kids realize that they aren't alone and everyone is just trying to fit in in their own way. A fantastic graphic novel that everyone should read. Show Less
LibraryThing member acargile
I’m trying to read more graphic novels; this is a graphic novel about being the new kid although it really reaches beyond that feeling.
One of my favorite parts of this book is Jordan’s trip from home to school. Jordan goes to a mostly white school and has to take public transportation from his
Being black in a mostly white school has challenges. One kid is constantly called by a more “ethnic” name instead of his real name. Some of the black kids are treated with less patience and prejudice in that the assumption is the black kid did it, so to speak. Sometimes the characters are so quick to believe in prejudice that they are humbled when there is no prejudice--just perceived because they are assuming others have assumptions about black people.
The novel begins with Jordan’s first day at his new school and ends at the end of the school year. I enjoyed it. It’s easy to read and has a positive message to not make assumptions about people. Most people want friends and just want to fit in. You’ll even see this dynamic with the adults. You’ll enjoy reading this one--it will appeal to everyone.
One of my favorite parts of this book is Jordan’s trip from home to school. Jordan goes to a mostly white school and has to take public transportation from his
Show More
neighborhood (mostly black) to where his school is. He begins with hoodie and looking tough; by the time he gets to school, he looks like a “good” kid. He has to look the part for where he is. On his first day, Jordan has a mentor, Liam, who seems a little distant at first, but they grow to be friends. The main idea is that everyone feels singled out at times and wants to avoid being judged. As nice as Liam has it, he has his own problems that he wants to hide. Their friendship progresses as the novel progresses.Being black in a mostly white school has challenges. One kid is constantly called by a more “ethnic” name instead of his real name. Some of the black kids are treated with less patience and prejudice in that the assumption is the black kid did it, so to speak. Sometimes the characters are so quick to believe in prejudice that they are humbled when there is no prejudice--just perceived because they are assuming others have assumptions about black people.
The novel begins with Jordan’s first day at his new school and ends at the end of the school year. I enjoyed it. It’s easy to read and has a positive message to not make assumptions about people. Most people want friends and just want to fit in. You’ll even see this dynamic with the adults. You’ll enjoy reading this one--it will appeal to everyone.
Show Less
LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
Jordan, a twelve-year-old artist, would love to go to art school, but instead his parents enroll him in a private school with top-notch academics. Jordan finds that he's one of only a few kids of color in the seventh grade at his new school in New Kid by author Jerry Craft.
Yes. I picked this
Even so, this novel doesn't get caught up in being so issue-y that it ceases to be entertaining, accessible, and inclusive. It's a three-dimensional story that takes a look at more than one viewpoint and has much that any "new" or different person can relate to, both within and beyond schooldays and childhood/adolescence.
Jordan's story strikes a balance between the downright hilarious parts and parts that can prick your heart or make your stomach drop. It packs in both obvious and understated genius, and what it simply leaves up to the reader's perception and observation is as real as what it says through the characters' speech and thought bubbles. It's not a story that magically solves every character's every problem, but it still wraps up in a way that's inspiring and satisfying.
And did I mention how hilarious the novel is? I did?
It'd be hard not to take away something awesome from a book like this.
Yes. I picked this
Show More
graphic novel up because of the race/diversity issue it addresses. Yes, it resonated with me in a number of places on that score, such as in a section of Jordan's sketchbook labeled "Judging Kids by the Covers of Their Books!" Jordan's view of mainstream books for kids versus African American books for kids—good gravy. He could've grabbed that right out of my brain.Even so, this novel doesn't get caught up in being so issue-y that it ceases to be entertaining, accessible, and inclusive. It's a three-dimensional story that takes a look at more than one viewpoint and has much that any "new" or different person can relate to, both within and beyond schooldays and childhood/adolescence.
Jordan's story strikes a balance between the downright hilarious parts and parts that can prick your heart or make your stomach drop. It packs in both obvious and understated genius, and what it simply leaves up to the reader's perception and observation is as real as what it says through the characters' speech and thought bubbles. It's not a story that magically solves every character's every problem, but it still wraps up in a way that's inspiring and satisfying.
And did I mention how hilarious the novel is? I did?
It'd be hard not to take away something awesome from a book like this.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
Jordan is beginning middle school at a new elite academy outside of his neighborhood, when all he wants to do is go to art school. His new school isn't so bad, except that he is one of a handful of African-American kids who go there and the other students (and even teachers) can't stop reminding
This is an excellent read for kids in the middle grades. While not all readers will have the same exact situation as Jordan, many will likely identify with the feeling of trying to fit in to new situations or wearing a different aspect of their personality depending on the context (as Jordan does when he's at school versus when he spends time in his neighborhood). There are many snappy jokes and pop culture references that kids are sure to love, although it might make this book seem dated kind of fast (time will tell). The graphic novel format is perfect for the story of a kid who loves drawing.
Show More
him of this. Can Jordan fit in or will he always feel like the "new kid"?This is an excellent read for kids in the middle grades. While not all readers will have the same exact situation as Jordan, many will likely identify with the feeling of trying to fit in to new situations or wearing a different aspect of their personality depending on the context (as Jordan does when he's at school versus when he spends time in his neighborhood). There are many snappy jokes and pop culture references that kids are sure to love, although it might make this book seem dated kind of fast (time will tell). The graphic novel format is perfect for the story of a kid who loves drawing.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ewyatt
When Jared starts school at an exclusive academy, he has to code-switch through the neighborhoods to travel to school and find a place where he fits in a school where he feels out of place. He and other black students notice they are treated differently. He slowly makes friends, figures out how to
Show More
start to bring different parts of his life together, and work with his parents to embrace opportunity. A graphic novel with likeable characters, interesting art, and that raises some heavy issues of what it is like to be new, fit in, and the way being new can mean being transformed. Show Less
LibraryThing member villemezbrown
This is definitely targeted at younger readers, but I still bet I learned more from this story of minority kids at a predominately white NYC private school about implicit bias, microaggressions, and racism than I will from the official training I have to take at my job next week. It's a bit slow as
Show More
the story is paced to last the entire school year, and I'm not sure the chapter titles punning on movie titles really added much, but the scathing points hidden in the gentle humor make it all worthwhile. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibrarianRyan
This book deserves all the love it has been getting. Last Monday it was officially the first Graphic Novel to win the Newbery award for the best book written for young readers. Jordan Banks really wants to be an artist, but his parents want him to learn to live in the “white” world. How to code
This book is so nuanced. From how it shows multiple kids not fitting in, to how it talks about wealth and “financial aid”, to even the dynamics around race and differences. It covers a lot of weighty subjects in a manner that is easy to understand. It also has you questioning the small things in life that affect a POC in a different way than others.
This book was FANTASTIC. I can not wait to see what the author does next.
Show More
switch, the norms of society for the upper crust that they don’t teach in the “black” school. So he is one of the new kids at this elite prep school and things are very different. There is more homework and the classes are harder. There are other black kids at school but not many, and white privilege is everywhere. Between the teacher that can not be bothered to call him by his name, and the students who call him Oreo, it is a new life that is hard to fit into. This book is so nuanced. From how it shows multiple kids not fitting in, to how it talks about wealth and “financial aid”, to even the dynamics around race and differences. It covers a lot of weighty subjects in a manner that is easy to understand. It also has you questioning the small things in life that affect a POC in a different way than others.
This book was FANTASTIC. I can not wait to see what the author does next.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ShannonRose4
Read it, loved it. This graphic novel is an amazing, pitch-perfect book so important and well done it opens up the hard conversations we all need to have right now, and brings to light conversations never thought of.
A friend's kid noticed the book was in my bag when I was visiting and after he
My personal thank you to Jerry Craft, this book is amazing.
A friend's kid noticed the book was in my bag when I was visiting and after he
Show More
finally got over his shyness to ask if he could read it "If I promise to give it back after?" I let him know that it was an early holiday gift, he hugged the book and the smile after he heard he could keep it? Priceless. My personal thank you to Jerry Craft, this book is amazing.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MaowangVater
Jordan Banks loves to draw. He hopes that his parents will send him to art school. But they have other plans for him. He’s a bright kid, and they’ve secured a scholarship for him at a prestigious private middle school for him. And it’s only a bus ride away. As an African American, Jordan
In addition to great storytelling and art, Craft excels in recording the intersectionality of economic class, private school, and middle grade life. While it can often be frustrating and awkward, there are times when you can truly bond playing video games together, and instances of true vulnerability, honesty and friendship.
Show More
fears he’s going to feel isolated in an all white environment. When he arrives at Riverdale Academy Day School, he discovers that’s not quite the case, there are a few other students and teachers of color. The real social divide is between the affluent students who spend their school vacations in Hawaii and those on financial aid. Yet, in spite of this and the universal middle school divisions between cliques of cool kids and those who are varying degrees of less cool, cultural misperceptions and faux pas, friendships form that cross these social divisions. In addition to great storytelling and art, Craft excels in recording the intersectionality of economic class, private school, and middle grade life. While it can often be frustrating and awkward, there are times when you can truly bond playing video games together, and instances of true vulnerability, honesty and friendship.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DonnaMarieMerritt
First graphic novel to win the Newbery and well-deserved! This book will win over anyone undecided as to the value of graphic novels. It's about starting a new school away from your neighborhood, feeling out of place, old friends vs. new, family dynamics, the nuances of racism, misinterpretations,
Show More
setting people straight, and understanding that you can't set everyone straight. Jordan's 7th grade voice comes through clearly; sometimes my heart broke for him and sometimes his viewpoint made me laugh. A fabulous addition to my grade 4/5 school library and also great for middle school, high school, and adults. Show Less
LibraryThing member electrascaife
Jordan is the new kid at his middle school, and if that weren't hard enough, it's a fancy, rich-kid school and he's a non-white-skinned scholarship student. The story takes up through how Jordan negotiates this new, strange, and sometimes-frustrating space, making friends, standing up to bullies
Show More
(both among the students and the staff), and making his own space within it all. It's brilliantly done. I mean, so much so that *every* kiddo should be reading it. The pictures of middle school life, and of everyday racism, drawn here are realistic and all the more brain-and soul-shaking for being undramatic. I'm so happy that Craft won the Newbery for it, and I hope it gets into as many young hands as possible. Show Less
LibraryThing member bell7
Jordan Banks starts a new year at a new school, a prep school where he's one of the few non-white kids.
This graphic novel has been getting a lot of love, but I managed not to hear about it until after it won the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards this year. It. is. FABULOUS. Each chapter moves
This graphic novel has been getting a lot of love, but I managed not to hear about it until after it won the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards this year. It. is. FABULOUS. Each chapter moves
Show More
you along over the course of a school year, and its title plays on that of a book or movie from pop culture. We're also given glimpses of Jordan's sketchbook, as he draws about life at home and school. His parents and Grandpa make an appearance, he makes friends at the school, and you also see the racism and microaggressions he endures. It captures the real life of school and manages to be fairly upbeat - I laughed aloud a couple of times - and I was smiling in the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Jordan attends a new private school at his mother’s insistence because of the opportunities he will have. He would rather attend art school. Jordan is one of the few black kids at school and while adjusting to his new surroundings, he deals with the slings and arrows of teachers’
Show More
microaggressions and bullying by a classmate. An important and highly accessible book that has longevity; readers of color from 5th grade through college will find lots to recognize here. Show Less
LibraryThing member katelynamy
Middle school can be a difficult time for some, and moving does not help the stress at all. This book is all about going from something completely familiar to something totally different. I rate this book 5 stars because even though all of my students may have never been considered the "new kid", I
Show More
can have them put themselves in a "new kids" shoes and write about what their challenges could be. Show Less
LibraryThing member skstiles612
I purchased books for my classroom from Scholastic with my birthday money. This was the first book I picked out to read. New Kid is the story of Jordan Banks. He is a middle school student who loves to draw graphic cartoons. He wants to go to arts school. However, his mom wants something more for
Show More
him. She has managed to get him into one of the most prestigious schools in the area. Jordan realizes that there are very few kids of color in this school. There are very few kids who are not rich. This is just one more reason for him not to feel like he fits in. To me this book was very appropriate for what we have been seeing in our country the last few weeks. However, this isn’t just about color, it is about being accepted for who you are regardless of social status, color or anything else. It is about standing up for what is right. This was a very quick read for me and one I can say I really enjoyed. This says a lot because my students would be the first to tell you that graphic novels are not my favorite genre. One thing I really enjoyed about the book is that we get to see Jordan’s drawings, a peek at his sketchbook withing this book. I would definitely read more by this author. This is a book a can’t wait to put on my shelves and recommend to my students. Show Less
LibraryThing member lflareads
I love this graphic novel for middle schoolers! My son mentioned the lower case “i” in kid and asked if this was important to the story. I had not thought about that, but it must be as it is about being different and everyone respecting and accepting each other’s differences. Cannot wait to
Show More
book talk it tomorrow with my 7th graders! @jerrycraft #yareads #beyourself #middleschoolela #7thgrade #ya #middleschool Show Less
LibraryThing member ShannonRose4
Read it, loved it. This graphic novel is an amazing, pitch-perfect book so important and well done it opens up the hard conversations we all need to have right now, and brings to light conversations never thought of.
A friend's kid noticed the book was in my bag when I was visiting and after he
My personal thank you to Jerry Craft, this book is amazing.
A friend's kid noticed the book was in my bag when I was visiting and after he
Show More
finally got over his shyness to ask if he could read it "If I promise to give it back after?" I let him know that it was an early holiday gift, he hugged the book and the smile after he heard he could keep it? Priceless. My personal thank you to Jerry Craft, this book is amazing.
Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
Jordan's parents are excited to send him to prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School. Jordan, not so much. He'd rather attend an art-focused school, but he promises his parents he'll give RADS his best shot. As it turns out, he's one of a small handful of minority students, which adds a whole extra
This is a great and timely addition to the realistic graphic novel shelf, and fans of Raina Telgemeier's books are sure to gravitate to it. It has the potential to be a good discussion starter, and will give readers a lot to think about without being heavy-handed. There are plenty of fun, funny moments, and the strong characters have lots of appeal. Recommended.
Show More
level of difficulty to being the new kid.This is a great and timely addition to the realistic graphic novel shelf, and fans of Raina Telgemeier's books are sure to gravitate to it. It has the potential to be a good discussion starter, and will give readers a lot to think about without being heavy-handed. There are plenty of fun, funny moments, and the strong characters have lots of appeal. Recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ChristianR
Middle school is hard enough, but it gets really confusing when you're a middle class black kid who is just starting at an elite prep school where most of the other students are white and very rich. Jordan learns to navigate friendships, being looked at as a "financial aid" kid, and figuring out
Show More
when someone is being friendly and when they're being racist. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lindsay_W
I’m so glad that New Kid won the Newbery Award because it will bring this book into the hands of more kids, teachers, and librarians who need to read it. In interviews Craft is quoted as saying he wanted to write a different kind of narrative about African American kids that reflected his own
Hopefully reading New Kid will help students become more aware of their own racial and socioeconomic biases, while at the same time enjoying a very relatable story about families and fitting in at a new school. White, middle-class teachers and librarians, should park our white fragility and check our own practices for these micro aggressions. If you get that uncomfortable “I’ve said/done that” feeling from the actions of the teachers in this book, that is a good thing if it motivates you to be more aware of your own implicit racism.
Show More
childhood experience. Despite Craft wanting to write a book that kids like him could feel good reading, there are still numerous incidents of micro aggressions against people of colour and people of limited economic means. Hopefully reading New Kid will help students become more aware of their own racial and socioeconomic biases, while at the same time enjoying a very relatable story about families and fitting in at a new school. White, middle-class teachers and librarians, should park our white fragility and check our own practices for these micro aggressions. If you get that uncomfortable “I’ve said/done that” feeling from the actions of the teachers in this book, that is a good thing if it motivates you to be more aware of your own implicit racism.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwyrmm
Unlike it's sequel, Class Act, this one took a little longer to hit its stride, but definitely an excellent read about fitting in and finding yourself.
LibraryThing member AliceaP
New Kid by Jerry Craft is a middle grade graphic novel that tells the story of a boy named Jordan who has (against his will) been enrolled in a prestigious private school in the upscale (and predominantly white) neighborhood of Riverdale. While he didn't necessarily feel like he fit in among his
Honesty compels me to tell you that I didn't necessarily love this book because of its predictability and slow moving pace. However, this book wasn't written with me in mind as its audience and therefore I think for the young person who is feeling 'other' and beaten down by circumstances out of their control this could be quite an important book. I liked the illustrative style particularly how it worked so well with the sprinkling of Jordan's comics with their very different artistic approach so no complaints on that front. For me it's a 4/10 but in terms of readability for that audience I'd say 8/10.
Show More
peers at his old school in Washington Heights he really feels like the outsider at this school being one of only 3 students of color. (There's a lot of mixing up of names by the teachers + bullying by peers.) In classic 'rebellious preteen' fashion he feels that the world (i.e. good ol' mom) is set on ruining his life because she won't let him go to art school instead of this place where it seems like everyone is either rich, white, or both. To help him sort through his frustrations and rage he takes to working on a sketchbook detailing his experiences. [A/N:These comics are interspersed throughout the book.] New Kid is a coming of age story about classism, racism, and finding out where you truly belong. Honesty compels me to tell you that I didn't necessarily love this book because of its predictability and slow moving pace. However, this book wasn't written with me in mind as its audience and therefore I think for the young person who is feeling 'other' and beaten down by circumstances out of their control this could be quite an important book. I liked the illustrative style particularly how it worked so well with the sprinkling of Jordan's comics with their very different artistic approach so no complaints on that front. For me it's a 4/10 but in terms of readability for that audience I'd say 8/10.
Show Less
Similar in this library
Pages
256