“They say that there are animals that will chew off their own leg to get out of a trap. I never understood that…until now.”

Jordan Banks is in the 7th grade and loves drawing cartoons about his life. But rather than attending art school, his parents are sending him to a fancy private school renowned for its academics. As one of the few students of color, he soon finds himself lost between his neighborhood life in Washington Heights and his new upscale life at Riverdale Academy Day School.

Author & Illustrator Jerry Craft’s funny illustrations deftly contrast with the novel’s more sobering themes of bullying, income inequality, and microagressions. New Kid always maintains its sense of humor which is what makes it the perfect graphic novel for kids ages 10-14.

Kids who like authors Raina Telgemeier or Jason Reynolds will love New Kid. It’s also a great read-a-like for other graphic novels such as Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell or Real Friends by Shannon Hale.