Parents' Guide to

New Kid, Book 1

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Funny, heartfelt middle school tale explores race, class.

Book Jerry Craft Graphic Novel 2019
New Kid, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Brycen B.
Brycen B. Adult
March 30, 2023
age 9+

Great

This book is such a great representation of what is going on in our world today. The racial streotyping in this novel is sadly true, and makes me hopeful for imporvement. The plot for this book is interesting and is simple enough for kids to understand. The reason you kids might be older when they read it is because of the deep message it sends.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Jefferson402
Jefferson402 Parent
October 8, 2021
age 10+

Good story with a lot to reflect on

Superbly written to portray what it may be like to be a cultural minority starting in a new school.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

At the start of NEW KID, Jordan Banks reluctantly transfers to a nearly all-White private school. He misses his friends from the neighborhood and doesn't understand his new classmates. Interested in cartooning, he isn't ready for soccer in the freezing cold, and his parents can't afford a vacation to warmer climes. Gradually, he makes new friends, comes to understand his classmates' quirks, and develops his own passions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (10):

The move to middle school confuses many students and has inspired many comics, but this funny and heartfelt graphic novel covers new territory. Throughout New Kid, seventh-grader Jordan Banks proves to be a sensitive and likable protagonist, eager for friendship but unsure how to fit in a school culture that deals awkwardly with issues of race and class.

Author-illustrator Jerry Craft has a vibrant, exuberant style that distinguishes each character and captures the mood of each scene. Middle-schoolers will enjoy the sometimes goofy humor and identify with a good-hearted main character struggling to define himself in a new environment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how New Kid uses the medium of comics to tell its story. What can comics do that text alone can't?

  • Why do so many students find the transition to middle school difficult? What kinds of changes happen between sixth and seventh grade?

  • How can you maintain a friendship with someone after they transfer to another school?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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