New Kid By Jerry Craft: A Fun And Insightful Read For Kids!

“New Kid” by Jerry Craft is an incredibly powerful and important graphic novel that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages. This heartwarming story follows Jordan Banks, a seventh-grade student who must navigate his new school’s social scene while being one of the only kids of color attending. Craft’s illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs that Jordan experiences as he finds his place in a predominately white institution. The book explores themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience with thoughtful insight and humor, making it an essential read for any young person navigating their own challenging transition into middle school or high school.

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New Kid by Jerry Craft Review

New Kid by Jerry Craft is a must-read graphic novel for everyone, regardless of age. The story follows Jordan Banks, a seventh grader who moves from uptown Washington D.C. to Riverdale Academy Day School in the Bronx. He has to adjust to a new environment filled with unfamiliar faces, new rules and different dynamics. But at Riverdale, Jordan discovers his own unique voice and learns how to embrace being the new kid.

Key Features:

A winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award.

Takes readers on an emotional journey of self-discovery.

Features realistic characters and relatable situations.

Delivers a powerful message about accepting oneself and embracing change.

Explores important topics such as inclusion, bullying, and race relations.

Through this story, readers will experience a roller coaster of emotions as they follow Jordan’s journey. With its heartfelt narrative and captivating illustrations, New Kid will leave you laughing, crying, and thinking long after you finish it. As one of the few graphic novels that received the Newbery Medal, this book is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for an inspiring story about embracing change. So grab your copy today and join Jordan in his inspiring journey!

Product Details

Product	Details
New Kid	By Jerry Craft
	Published by HarperCollins in 2020
	Hardcover, 336 pages
	ISBN-13: 9780062691197
	Age Range: 8 – 12 years
	Reading Level: Grade 4 – 7
	Lexile Measure: 800L (What’s this?)

New Kid by Jerry Craft Pros and Cons

1. Professional
New Kid by Jerry Craft is an award-winning graphic novel that follows the story of a twelve-year-old boy who moves from a private school in the Bronx to a prestigious prep school in Manhattan. It offers a unique perspective on the struggles of being the “new kid” and navigating a new environment.

Pros:

Well-crafted characters and engaging storylines keep readers invested.

Themes such as friendship, identity, and acceptance are explored in depth.

A great introduction to the world of graphic novels for young readers.

Cons:

Some of the jokes may go over younger readers’ heads.

The artwork can be a bit cluttered at times.

2. Funny
If you’re looking for something out of this world, then New Kid by Jerry Craft is your ticket! Follow Jordan Banks as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery when he transfers to a new, fancy school. But he quickly learns that it’s not all fancy dress codes and “proper behavior”, it’s about finding out who you really are! If this sounds like your kind of adventure, then New Kid will be your newest obsession!

Pros:

It’s filled with plenty of heartwarming moments.

The illustrations bring the characters to life!

Cons:

Your stomach might hurt from laughing too hard at some parts.

Who are They for

New Kid by Jerry Craft is an uplifting and thought-provoking graphic novel about a 7th grade student of color navigating his way through the diverse halls of Riverdale Academy Day School. Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life, but when he transfers to a new school, he must confront his fears and face challenges he never could have imagined. With the help of a few trusted friends, Jordan soon learns to accept himself for who he is and discovers he has the courage to stand up for what’s right.

This timely story tackles topics such as race, class, friendship, bullying, identity and acceptance in an entertaining and age-appropriate manner. With vivid illustrations and engaging dialogue, New Kid is a must-read for middle grade readers who want to see themselves represented on the page. It will also leave older readers with a better understanding of the unique experiences that young people of color endure every day.

My Experience for New Kid by Jerry Craft

It was the first day of school and I was so excited! I had heard so much about this school, but nothing could have prepared me for how incredible it was. From the moment I stepped into my new classroom, I knew I was in for something special. My teacher, Mrs. Garcia, welcomed me with a warm smile and set me up with all the materials I needed to start my year off right.

But soon after, I found out that fitting in wasn’t going to be easy. Everyone else seemed to know each other already and no one wanted to talk to me. That’s when I discovered New Kid by Jerry Craft. This graphic novel told the story of Jordan Banks, a kid who starts at a new school just like me and has to overcome all kinds of challenges as he tries to make friends and fit in. It was funny, relatable and full of valuable lessons. As I read it, I realized that there were plenty of things that Jordan and I had in common, which made it easier for me to relate to him and find courage in his journey.

Thanks to New Kid by Jerry Craft, I felt more confident about making friends at my new school. With each page turn, I gained more knowledge about what it takes to be successful in a new environment. And by the end of the semester, everyone knew my name!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages List:
1. Target audience may be too young for the intended message.
2. Limited use of diversity in the characters portrayed.
3. Storyline may be too complex for a younger audience to understand.
4. Some illustrations are not very detailed.
5. Lack of character development throughout the story.
6. The plot is quite predictable.

How to Empower Students with New Kid By Jerry Craft

New Kid by Jerry Craft is a groundbreaking graphic novel about the struggles of being the “new kid” in an unfamiliar school. The story centers around Jordan Banks, a seventh grade student who has just moved to a predominantly white private school from a diverse public school. Through his experiences, readers gain an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion.

As teachers and educators, we can use this book as a tool to empower our students. Here are three ideas that you can use to help your students develop empathy and respect in the classroom:

Create an inclusive space. Model inclusive behavior and language in your classroom by speaking positively about all cultures, races, and backgrounds. Encourage open dialogue and create warm atmosphere where everyone feels included.
Celebrate diversity. Use New Kid as a springboard for conversations about what it means to be different from others, and how understanding different perspectives can lead to greater appreciation of diversity.
Teach resilience. Jordan’s struggles throughout the book demonstrate how difficult it is to be the “new kid.” Showing students that even when faced with challenges, there are ways to overcome them can help develop their resilience.

Using New Kid by Jerry Craft in the classroom helps us create an environment where every student can feel respected and appreciated. By celebrating diversity and teaching resilience, we can empower our students with the knowledge they need to succeed!

Questions about New Kid by Jerry Craft

What is the plot of New Kid?

New Kid follows the story of Jordan Banks, a seventh-grader from Washington Heights who is sent off to a prestigious, mostly-white private school in Riverdale. He experiences challenges and triumphs while navigating a new environment and racial dynamics. Along the way, he discovers his artistic talents and learns to embrace being true to himself.

What age group is New Kid for?

New Kid is an excellent graphic novel for readers aged 8-14.

What awards has New Kid won?

New Kid has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, 2020 Kirkus Prize Finalist, 2019 Eisner Award Winner for Best Kids/Teens Comic, and multiple other honors.

How does New Kid address racial issues?

New Kid delves into important topics of race, identity, and self-discovery with great sensitivity and insight. Through its characters and story, it offers a unique take on these topics that will both inform young readers and spark meaningful conversations among adults.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.