Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, inspiring illustrated novel about rivalry, friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In J VS. K, two talented fifth grade students—J and K—enter the Dean Ashley Public School annual storytelling contest with something to prove. Ennis proves to be skilled at illustrating through his sketchbook drawings. Wright has the talent for writing cool stories and poems. Their rivalry is epic, and they're initially determined to see which student's work of art is the best. In the process, though, they learn more about themselves and how much they have in common. Could they have a better chance of winning if they work together?
Is It Any Good?
This engaging read is packed with laughs and information about writing and drawing. J vs. K is a fun, quick read with appealing characters, a comic rivals-to-friends storyline, and great lessons about crafting stories. In the illustrated novel, Kwame Alexander's snappy text and Jerry Craft's expressive black-and-white drawings tell a unified tale. The characters' strengths, weaknesses, and personalities shine. The authors themselves have fun throughout the book by including their additional notes to each other, and there's even a brief segment where they discuss a character's backstory. It is an exciting collaborative children's novel from two powerhouse creators with a positive message to admire other kids' talents and to value shared interests and experiences over what separates us.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of curiosity in J vs K's eventual friendship. What do they find out about one another that leads them past their rivalry? Have you ever been curious about a person or new skill? What happened?
J and K have an intense rivalry until an opportunity for compassion toward each other's misfortunes arises. How does this change the way they relate to one another? Have you had a similar moment in your life where a simple act of compassion led to a friendship? What happened?
How does teamwork help J and K reach their goals? Have there been situations where you had to work together with other students as a team? How did it work out?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Jerry Craft
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Arts , Book Characters , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little Brown and Company
- Publication date : May 6, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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