#1 in New Kid Series
New Kid
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft is back with the newest adventures of Jordan, Drew, Liam, and all the characters that fans first met in New Kid, winner of the Newbery Award and the Coretta Scott King Author Award! In this full-color contemporary graphic novel, the gang from Riverdale Academy Day is heading to Paris, for an international education like you've never seen before ...
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can't wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights.
But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected--and hilarious--turn. Especially when trying to find their way around a foreign city ends up being almost as tricky as navigating the same friendships, fears, and differences that they struggle with at home.
Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the "new kid"?
Don't miss the two hilarious and powerful companion novels by Jerry Craft, New Kid and Class Act!
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Jordan feels being the new kid in his school? Can you relate to his experiences?
Why do you think it's important for Jordan to maintain his passion for drawing throughout the book?
What are some ways Jordan tries to fit in at his new school? Have you ever done something similar?
How do Jordan's interactions with his classmates change throughout the story? What do you think caused these changes?
What did you learn about friendship and acceptance from 'New Kid'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about times they’ve felt like a new kid or an outsider. Validate their emotions and share your own similar experiences to create a deeper bond.
Discuss the importance of hobbies and personal interests, like Jordan’s drawing, and how they can help in difficult situations. Ask your child about their own interests and how those hobbies make them feel.
Prompt your child to think about ways they can be a good friend to new students or others who might feel left out, drawing parallels to characters in the book.
After reading, engage in a drawing session with your child, inspired by Jordan’s love for art. This can make the reading experience more memorable and personally relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'New Kid,' the protagonist, Jordan Banks, navigates being one of the few children of color in a prestigious private school. The story explores themes of identity and acceptance, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds in their own schools and communities, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Jordan experiences significant changes as he adjusts to a new school environment with different cultural norms. The book illustrates the challenges and growth that come with change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that feeling uncomfortable or out of place during changes is normal, and that adaptability and resilience are key to overcoming these feelings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jordan uses his art to express his feelings and cope with his experiences at school. This emphasizes the importance of finding a personal outlet for self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and engage in activities that allow them to express themselves, whether it’s through art, writing, music, or any other form of creative expression.
Example Lesson: Understanding Perspectives
Explanation: Jordan learns to see situations from others' viewpoints, understanding why his peers act in certain ways. This is crucial in developing empathy and social awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to consider others' feelings and viewpoints in their interactions, which can lead to more harmonious relationships and better conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship and Support
Explanation: The friendships Jordan forms become pivotal in his adaptation to school life. These relationships provide support and understanding, showing the importance of having good friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of building and maintaining supportive friendships, teaching children to be kind, supportive friends themselves and to choose friends who uplift them.