“New Kid” by Jerry Craft: A Masterful Graphic Novel About Identity, Belonging, and Growing Up

Introduction: A Story That Resonates Deeply

Have you ever felt like the “new kid”? That gnawing sense of being out of place, trying to fit in while staying true to yourself? Jerry Craft’s New Kid, winner of the Newbery Medal (the first graphic novel to do so!), captures this universal experience with humor, heart, and stunning artwork.

This middle-grade graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a Black seventh-grader navigating the challenges of attending a prestigious, predominantly white private school. Through Jordan’s eyes, Craft explores themes of race, class, friendship, and self-acceptance in a way that’s both accessible and deeply meaningful.

Whether you’re a young reader, a parent, or an educator, New Kid is a must-read. Below, I’ll break down why this book is so special—from its relatable characters to its brilliant storytelling techniques—and why it deserves a spot on your shelf.

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Plot Summary: A Fish Out of Water

Jordan Banks dreams of going to art school, but his parents enroll him in Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD), a prestigious (and overwhelmingly white) private school. As one of the few Black students, Jordan struggles with microaggressions, cultural misunderstandings, and the pressure to conform.

The story unfolds over his seventh-grade year, capturing:

  • First-day jitters and awkward introductions
  • Friendship dynamics with his Black neighborhood friend, Liam, and his new RAD classmates
  • Teachers who mispronounce his name and make assumptions about his background
  • The balancing act between his home life in Washington Heights and his school life at RAD

Without giving away major spoilers, Jordan’s journey is filled with humor, frustration, and moments of triumph as he learns to navigate two very different worlds.

Character Analysis: Real, Relatable, and Remarkable

Jordan Banks – The Artist & Observer

Jordan is an introspective protagonist who documents his experiences through sketches. His artistic perspective adds depth to the story, allowing readers to see his emotions visually. He’s not just a passive observer—he’s learning to speak up while staying true to himself.

Drew & Liam – Contrasting Friendships

  • Drew, another Black student at RAD, deals with racial stereotypes differently, often code-switching to fit in.
  • Liam, Jordan’s neighborhood friend, represents authenticity—someone who doesn’t change himself for others.

Their interactions highlight different coping mechanisms Black kids use in predominantly white spaces.

The Adults – Well-Meaning but Flawed

From teachers who assume Jordan knows about basketball to parents who mean well but don’t always understand, Craft portrays adult biases with nuance.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Why the Graphic Novel Format Works

Craft’s art style is expressive and dynamic, using:

  • Visual humor (like exaggerated facial expressions)
  • Thought bubbles vs. speech bubbles to show internal vs. external dialogue
  • Comic strips within the novel, mimicking Jordan’s sketchbook

The graphic novel format enhances the storytelling, making complex themes accessible to younger readers while still packing an emotional punch.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a School Story

1. Identity & Code-Switching

Jordan constantly adjusts his behavior between RAD and his neighborhood, a relatable struggle for many kids of color.

2. Privilege & Microaggressions

The book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—like when a teacher assumes Jordan is on financial aid.

3. Friendship & Loyalty

Jordan’s friendships evolve in realistic, messy ways, showing that fitting in doesn’t mean losing yourself.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stays With You

As an adult reader, I was struck by how authentic Jordan’s voice felt. Craft doesn’t preach—he lets the story speak for itself. There were moments that made me laugh out loud (like Jordan’s sarcastic inner monologue) and others that made me pause in recognition.

For young readers, this book validates their experiences. For adults, it’s a reminder of how tough middle school can be—especially when you’re the “only one” in the room who looks like you.

Comparison to Other Works in the Genre

New Kid stands alongside books like:

  • “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds (sports, identity)
  • “Roller Girl” by Victoria Jamieson (graphic novel about fitting in)
  • “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas (race & belonging, though for older readers)

What sets New Kid apart is its perfect balance of humor and heart, making heavy topics approachable without diluting their impact.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Authentic dialogue & characters
✅ Art that enhances the storytelling
✅ Handles tough topics with grace
✅ Great for reluctant readers

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Some side characters could be fleshed out more
❌ A few jokes might feel repetitive on a re-read

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) navigating school and friendships
  • Parents & educators looking for diverse, meaningful stories
  • Graphic novel fans who appreciate art-driven storytelling

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Why do people always assume I know about basketball?”
“I don’t want to be the ‘new kid’ forever.”

These lines capture Jordan’s frustration and vulnerability perfectly.

Cultural & Historical Context

New Kid arrives at a time when diverse representation in children’s literature is more important than ever. Its Newbery win (2020) marked a milestone for graphic novels being recognized as serious literature.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for All Ages

New Kid isn’t just a book—it’s a mirror and a window. It reflects the experiences of kids who’ve felt out of place while offering others a glimpse into those struggles. Jerry Craft has created something timeless.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  1. Have you ever felt like the “new kid”? How did you handle it?
  2. Which character did you relate to the most?
  3. How does the graphic novel format change how you experience the story?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚💬

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