Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. 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?

What Kind of Book is New Kid

What Questions Should I Ask My Child

This story offers multiple opportunities to discuss weighty matters—explicit racism, systemic racism, social classes, preconceived stereotypes, misunderstandings, lack of self-esteem, and more. As a graphic novel, its read time is short, so consider taking time to have discussions about these important topics along the way as they arise and revisiting them and their resolution at the end of the story.
Some important points in the story are insightfully conveyed by the illustrations as they play out in the text. For example, Jordan expects he and Maury will have a lot in common. But as they visit, they realize they don't. At the same moment, Craft depicts them standing on two separate worlds. What point does this emphasize? Where else did you notice the illustrations telling part of the story?

Reviews

Mom of Boys

6.00

I read this book to my two boys who are five and seven years old. They are still innocent to the prejudices of the world. They see all people with equality and don't understand why we would look down on others because of skin color. I love this about children and want to keep them that way as long as possible. All three of us really enjoyed reading this book. It showed insecurities that each of the characters had and portrayed racism from each of their points of view, which was so powerful. It had me laughing and feeling so grateful for good kids, good choices and good friends.

The Goodfather

5.50

I liked the story's lessons about not judging people based on stereotypes but instead getting to know them and the unifying impact of serving others.

School Library Journal

Critic

Gretchen Hardin

Full review

"Jordan's black-and-white notebook drawings are the highlight of this work, combining effective social commentary with the protagonist's humorous voice."

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

Full review

"This engaging story . . . captures the high jinks of middle schoolers and . . . tensions that come with being a person of color in a traditionally white space."

Kirkus

Critic

Full review

Starred Review

"Craft skillfully employs the graphic-novel format to its full advantage, giving his readers a delightful and authentic cast of characters who, along with New York itself, pop off the page with vibrancy and nuance."

Book Lists That Include New Kid

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Books about diversity

Books about growing up

Sakamoto's Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory

Books about sports and recreation

The Creative Behind the Book

Author & Illustrator

Jerry Craft

Jerry Craft is an author-illustrator who has worked on numerous books for young readers. Jerry created Mama’s Boyz, an award-winning comic strip. He has won five African American Literary Awards and cofounded the Black Comic Book Festival. He received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts and lives in Connecticut.