#1 in New Kid Series
New Kid
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with more adventures of Jordan and his friends from Riverdale Academy Day in a new graphic novel. The group embarks on a school trip to Paris, expecting an educational experience filled with art and culture. However, unexpected changes in their faculty guides lead to a series of humorous misadventures as they navigate a foreign city and face challenges similar to those at home, such as managing friendships and cultural differences. This contemporary, full-color graphic novel is a follow-up to the award-winning books New Kid and Class Act, which have earned accolades including the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award.
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.