New Kid

 

Book: New Kid 

Author: Jerry Craft 

Illustrator: Jerry Craft (Color by Jim Callahan) 

Genre: Humor, Realistic Fiction

Major Awards: Coretta Scott King Award, Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature, Newbery Medal 

Age Group: 3-7 grade 

Summary: 

All Jordan wants to do is go to art school however, his parents decide to send him to rich, private school Riverdale Academy  Day School (RAD) in which Jordan is one of a few people of color. He meets up with his tour guide Liam and is immediately overwhelmed by how big the school is and it's overall lack of diversity. Jordan's first couple of weeks involve him feeling like an outsider, facing many stereotypes, dealing with the rude kid Andy, being called different names (especially by a teacher who is unwilling to understand Jordan's situation), and being stared at when terms such as financial aid are brought up. When he finally makes a friend with someone of different color, Drew, he feels like he is torn between different worlds, the world he is used to and the new world that involves Liam and Riverdale. With great advice from his grandfather, he tries and succeeds in combining both worlds. He starts making more friends, such as class outcast Alexandra and school gossip Ashley. A big confrontation between Andy and Drew gives Jordan confidence (a feeling that he is finally in charge) and ends up gaining the support of the rest of his peers. At the end of the school year, he truly accepts both sides of him, looks forward to the next school year, and in the end has the confidence and aura of a "New Kid". 

Evaluation and Comments: 

New Kid is such a compelling and moving book about a colored student from Washington Heights having to cope and adjust to a rich environment mostly composed of white students. This is a story that many students can relate to and gives a message of hope; that even if you feel like you're alone and don't have control of your life, it just takes courage and friendship to find your place in life. With the message the book gives and the wonderful graphics, students will no doubt enjoy reading this story! 

The simple text will work great with the younger students but its plot and overall message is something that older students will relate to and also enjoy too. With that, this is a great book to introduce to students the concept of diversity and classroom culture. It can be a conversation starter and can lead to great class discussions that can benefit everyone. You can also create an assignment that allows students to reflect on the book and share their own experiences of being a new kid (whether this be an essay, presentation, etc.). 

In conclusion, New Kid has my seal of approval! 🥇😄