Class Act
This sequel to New Kid, following Jordan Banks into his second year of middle school at Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD), focuses in part on the differing experiences of Jordan and his friend Drew. Both boys are Black, but darker skinned Drew is treated differently at RAD, as revealed in scenes from his perspective throughout a graphic novel that again uses incisive humor to reveal unsettling truths. As the friendship between Jordan, Drew, and white Liam continues to develop, the wealth and privilege of Liam’s family leaves Drew in particular feeling more and more uncomfortable, as it’s a stark contrast to his own reality. The divide is underscored by the fact that Liam regularly invites Jordan and Drew to his house but doesn’t think to visit them in their neighborhoods, a dynamic that is challenged and finally changes by story’s end. The opening of each chapter references, in name and visual style, another well-known graphic novel, a clever, funny device that will delight graphic novel fans, though it may initially puzzle readers less familiar with the format. ©2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Jerry Craft
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-13
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Graphic Novel
Subjects:
African Americans
Books and Reading
Class Issues
Friendship
Humor
Racism
School
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publishers:
HarperCollins, HarperAlley, Quill Tree
Publish Year: 2020
Pages: 249
ISBN: 9780062885517
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Craft