New Kid

Seventh-grader Jordan wants to stay at his local school, in his black neighbourhood, and focus on his art skills, but his parents send him to a posh, predominantly white private school and Jordan faces many challenges at this new school. He becomes friends with Liam, a Caucasian boy from a wealthy family, who helps ease his way, but Liam has his own personal challenges to face. This award-winning graphic novel for grades 6-8 presents many perspectives and a diversity of characters, and can be used to examine “othering”, class distinction, and racism. Useful for literature circles, whole class novel study, or independent reading. Some social considerations noted.