Books in the series New Kid

Jerry Craft returns with Class Act, the highly anticipated companion to the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid. This time, the spotlight shifts to Drew Ellis, an eighth grader at the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School. While Drew is a talented and hardworking student, he can't help but notice the vast gap between his life and the lives of his more privileged classmates. As he navigates the complexities of being one of the few students of color in his school, Drew must decide if he can bridge the social divide or if the pressure to fit in is too much to handle.

This graphic novel is perfect for children who love relatable stories about school life and the challenges of growing up. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in social justice, diversity, and the nuances of modern friendships. Parents will appreciate the way Craft handles sensitive topics like systemic inequality and self-acceptance with humor and heart, making it a great choice for middle schoolers looking for depth in their reading.

Highlights:

• A powerful exploration of race, privilege, and social class in a school setting.
• Dynamic and expressive graphic novel artwork that brings the characters to life.
• Relatable themes of friendship, identity, and finding one's place in the world.
• A perfect follow-up for fans of New Kid and Smile.

New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with another installment in the beloved New Kid series. In this vibrant graphic novel, Jordan, Drew, Liam, and the rest of the Riverdale Academy Day School crew are packing their bags for an unforgettable international education in Paris. As an aspiring artist, Jordan is thrilled to see the world-famous art of the City of Lights, but the trip takes a hilarious and unexpected turn when their faculty guides are replaced at the last minute.

Navigating a foreign city proves to be just as challenging as navigating the social hierarchies of middle school. The group must face their fears, embrace new languages and foods, and bridge the differences that sometimes pull them apart. This book is perfect for children who love graphic novels that balance humor with deep, meaningful conversations about identity and belonging. It is an ideal for readers interested in travel and those who enjoy seeing diverse perspectives represented on the page.

Highlights:

• A stunning, full-color graphic novel format that brings Paris to life.
• Relatable exploration of middle school friendships and cultural differences.
• A great choice for fans of New Kid and Class Act.
• Encourages empathy and self-discovery through international travel.