New Kid

Jerry Craft's Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning graphic novel, "New Kid," introduces Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old African American boy from Washington Heights. Jordan dreams of art school but is enrolled by his parents in the prestigious, predominantly white Riverdale Academy Day School. The story honestly portrays Jordan's culture shock as he navigates two different worlds, experiences microaggressions, and forms cross-racial friendships. It's a powerful and humorous exploration of identity, belonging, and systemic bias, making it an excellent choice for middle-grade readers aged 10-14, especially those grappling with new environments or seeking diverse perspectives.

Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature! 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? This middle grade graphic novel is an excellent choice for tween readers, including for summer reading. New Kid is a selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List. Plus don't miss Jerry Craft's Class Act!