Reach for this book when your child is navigating friendships across different backgrounds or struggling with feelings of unfairness and not belonging. A companion to the award-winning "New Kid," this graphic novel follows Drew, one of the few Black students at a prestigious private school. He begins to feel a rift with his wealthy white friend, Liam, as he confronts daily microaggressions and the invisible weight of privilege. "Class Act" masterfully uses humor and poignant storytelling to explore complex themes of identity, self-acceptance, justice, and the challenges of true friendship. It's an accessible and essential read for middle schoolers, opening the door for important family conversations about empathy, race, and class in a way that feels authentic and hopeful.
Characters experience feelings of loneliness, frustration, and being misunderstood due to their background.
Moral AmbiguityMild
Well-meaning adults and friends are shown to be unintentionally hurtful, prompting nuanced discussions.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with racism, microaggressions, and class disparity in a secular, realistic manner. It is not about overt, violent racism, but the more subtle, pervasive kind that erodes self-esteem. The approach is deeply empathetic to Drew's experience, validating his frustration and exhaustion. The resolution between the friends is hopeful and centers on the importance of listening and trying to understand, but it acknowledges that these are complex, ongoing issues without easy answers.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a middle schooler (ages 11-14) who is becoming aware of social injustices and differences among their peers. It is a powerful 'mirror' for a child of color in a predominantly white space, validating their experiences. It is also an essential 'window' for a privileged child, helping them build empathy by seeing the world through Drew's eyes.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss privilege (both racial and economic), microaggressions (like touching a Black person's hair or mispronouncing names), and code-switching. Key scenes to preview include the student diversity panel and the visit from the other, less-funded school, which starkly highlights disparity. The book can be read cold by a child, but it will be most effective when a parent is ready to engage in the nuanced conversations it will inevitably start. A parent might reach for this book after hearing their child say, "It's not fair that..." or express frustration with a friend who "just doesn't get it." Another trigger could be observing their child withdraw from friends of different backgrounds, or struggling to articulate why certain comments from teachers or peers felt hurtful.
Age Experience
A younger middle grader (11-12) will connect strongly with the friendship dynamics, the school humor, and the clear feelings of unfairness. An older reader (13-15) will be better equipped to understand the systemic nature of the issues presented, grasping the concepts of privilege, implicit bias, and the emotional labor required of Drew to exist in his school's environment.
What Makes It Special
What makes "Class Act" unique is its use of the graphic novel format to make incredibly complex and sensitive topics accessible, engaging, and even funny for middle schoolers. Jerry Craft balances sharp social commentary with genuine warmth and humor, avoiding a preachy tone. This allows the book to be both a validating mirror and an empathetic window in a way that few other books for this age group can achieve.
Read plot summary
Eighth-grader Drew Ellis, a bright and hardworking Black student, returns to the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day school alongside his friends Jordan Banks and Liam Landers. The story focuses on Drew's perspective as he navigates the emotional toll of daily microaggressions, from teachers confusing him with other Black students to classmates' invasive questions about his hair. A growing tension develops between Drew and his wealthy white friend, Liam, whose privilege becomes a source of frustration and misunderstanding, especially during a visit to Liam's mansion. Jordan finds himself caught in the middle, trying to mediate a friendship strained by experiences neither boy can fully explain to the other. The narrative explores themes of code-switching, systemic inequality, and the challenge of maintaining friendships across racial and socioeconomic divides.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Drew's grandmother tells him he has to 'work twice as hard to be just as good.' Where do we see Drew putting this advice into practice? How does this pressure affect his friendship with Liam?
2
When visiting students from another school come to RAD, the teacher Mr. Roche struggles to pronounce their names. Why is this moment so upsetting and embarrassing for Drew? What does it reveal about the two schools?
3
Jordan often feels caught in the middle of Drew and Liam's conflict. Think about a time he tried to help. Was it effective? What makes it hard to be a good friend when your other friends are fighting?
4
During the Thanksgiving visit, Drew gets very quiet and withdrawn at Liam's house. What specific things does he see or hear that make him feel this way? How could Liam have been a more understanding host?
5
The book shows many examples of 'microaggressions,' like people wanting to touch Drew's hair or assuming he's friends with the only other Black kid. Can you name another example from the book and explain why it's hurtful?
