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New Kid
Last updated Monday, June 1, 2026
Author: Jerry Craft
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 0062691201
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2026
Synopsis:
In this middle grade graphic novel, 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?
| Note to readers: |
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Graphic novels can present different challenges to read aloud. Teachers at Magnolia chose this one so as to engage kids in this style of book that is popular with kids, especially those disinclined to read chapter books.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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• Have you ever been the new kid?
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What makes being the new kid so challenging?
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What can you and your community do to ensure new students feel welcomed, seen, and included when they arrive at your school?
Vocabulary
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Hierarchy: A system where people or things are ranked by status or authority.
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Misfit: Someone who has trouble adapting or blending in with others.
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Stoop: A small set of stairs or porch at the front entrance of a building.
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Chameleon: A highly changeable person; adapting to fit in with different groups.
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Daunting: Discouraging or intimidating through fear.
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Escalate: To increase, grow, or intensify (usually a conflict).
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Minion: An unimportant follower or underling of a powerful person.
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Notorious: Widely known for something bad or unfavorable.
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Prestige: High standing achieved through success, influence, or wealth.
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Polemic: A strong verbal or written attack on someone else's beliefs.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Jordan changes his appearance and behavior while taking the bus to school. Have you ever felt the need to change how you look or speak to fit into a new group? Note: This is called code-switching: changing how you talk, act or dress to fit in with different groups of people. “Just like a video game requires different strategies for different levels, you switch your communication style depending on who you are handing out with.” Dictionary.com
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Why do you think Jerry Craft chose to tell this story as a graphic novel instead of a regular text-only book? How do the illustrations and expressions enhance the story?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Use Jerry Craft’s Graphic Novel sheets to make a short graphic novel. Free from the author and LA Public Library.
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June 19 is Juneteenth. Design a Juneteenth stamp.
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| Special activities: |
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Complete the provided word search
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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