Reviews

New Kid by Jerry Craft

ellenmulholland's review against another edition

This was my first graphic novel!!!! And...I loved it. Jordan is an ace hero. This story is relevant to kids on so many levels. Highly recommend to readers 9-up.

important_idiot's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed the first 3 quarters of this book but then I was anxious for it to be done. I'm sure a child would love it, but I became sick of the story at this point and didn't enjoy the rest so much.

cherreadssharereads's review against another edition

3.0

Not my fave graphic novel - doesn’t really flow from box to box and chapter to chapter. most of the cheesy humor landed flat for me but the characters were developed well and I liked the depth of the varied cast of characters. 

jdscott50's review against another edition

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

One of the most banned books in America, and after reading it, I cannot figure out why. A young Black student goes to an affluent middle school, leaving his friends behind. Being only one of the few Black kids, he is ostracized and singled out, but this fact is obvious to White students, faculty, and administration. He finds fellow Black students getting similar treatment, and even some of the faculty are on the receiving end of it. Ultimately, it is a lesson on what to do about it. Getting mad and acting out only makes it worse, but it takes courage and fortitude to combat it. HIghly recommended reading. 

novelyon's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

angelofmine1974's review against another edition

funny medium-paced

3.0

Very cute graphic novel with wonderful illustrations and a great story.

https://youtu.be/rdFLpQpudk4

Enjoy!

kimbongiorno's review against another edition

5.0

This book is a perfect example of why I internally scream when I hear parents/educators/anyone say that graphic novels "don't count" as reading or as quality material. Not only was the book funny and entertaining, it was layered and informative. It didn't TACKLE important topics, it simply showed the realities of this boy's (and surrounding characters') life, opening windows to people whose experiences aren't the same.
Highly recommend putting this in middle school libraries--and in our kids' hands.

zbmorgan's review against another edition

5.0

A brilliant look at a race, coming of age, class division, and parental expectation, all with an occasionally laugh out loud sense of humor. Every person in the book world and publishing industry, from executives and editors right down to booksellers and librarians needs to see Jordan's comic perspective on literature aimed specifically at black kids and the messages it sends. One of the most deserving Newberry winners in a long time.

lostinfrance's review against another edition

4.0

I was impressed with this book. It could introduce some good conversations--- between families, in classrooms, between friends. It could also let the kid who doesn't have the life experience or the right mentors understand how he/she should treat people who are a different ethnicity--- but also let an African American kid understand it isn't ok--- or that he is not alone with his/her feelings. I fell into this book when I was camping and I couldn't put it down--- it was witty, poignant, sweet. I wanted to read more and I wanted to applaud Jordan and his classmates for surviving middle school and trying to build their community.
This is the story of Jordan who is accepted to a private school outside his neighborhood. As he tries to fit in he also negotiates around his very white/rich classmates trying to both them and his teachers to see him and not just the color of his skin. He uses his art to editorialize what is going on around him--- but also to let out his frustrations and share his feelings with the reader. The art is well done and the book is worth your time.

Read: if you enjoy graphic novels. Basically, read it.
2019: Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: a book published in 2019.

fanboyriot's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Read For:

✓ Artist MC

✓ Middle Grade

✓ Comforting Read

✓ BIPOC Characters

✓ Wholesome Friendships 

˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗

Jordan starts at a new private school that consists of mostly white students and teachers, he is one of the few black students and he starts to notice all the micro aggressions and the out right racism he and the other black students are treated with.  

While dealing with important and heavy topics this book is very well balanced, there are so many funny moments too and they help make it feel so lighthearted and comforting to read.  

It’s a really great read for Middle Grade level, but I’d recommend it to anyone honestly. This was such a good book and the narration was awesome!!  All the narrators really brought the characters voices to life.

Angst Level: 💧

POV: Graphic Novel

Release Date: 05, February 2019

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Classism

Moderate: Ableism, Racial slurs, and Cultural appropriation

Minor: Fatphobia, Vomit, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail