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TL;DR: Seventh grader Jordan Banks wants to go to art school, but his parents send him to an elite private school where he is one of the few students of color. He must manage two worlds, his Bronx neighborhood and his new school, while facing microaggressions and finding friends.
Table of Contents
New Kid at a Glance
| Author | Jerry Craft |
| First published | 2019 |
| Type | Graphic novel (middle grade) |
| Best for | children and families who want a funny, honest graphic novel about school and identity |
New Kid is a novel by Jerry Craft, first published in 2019. The book won the Newbery Medal in 2020, the first graphic novel to do so. It is also a Coretta Scott King winner. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A new school
Jordan commutes from his neighborhood to Riverdale Academy Day School. He draws his experiences in a sketchbook.
New friends
He befriends Drew and Liam and meets other students. They are from different backgrounds.
Microaggressions
A teacher mixes up the Black students' names. Others make unthinking remarks.
Family life
His mother wants him to succeed in the new setting, and his father supports his art.
Struggle
Jordan feels torn between worlds and wonders if he belongs.
Finding a voice
By the end, he speaks up and sees the school differently. The tone is hopeful.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A new school | Jordan commutes from his neighborhood to Riverdale Academy Day School. |
| New friends | He befriends Drew and Liam and meets other students. |
| Microaggressions | A teacher mixes up the Black students' names. |
| Family life | His mother wants him to succeed in the new setting, and his father supports his art. |
| Struggle | Jordan feels torn between worlds and wonders if he belongs. |
| Finding a voice | By the end, he speaks up and sees the school differently. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Belonging can be built.
- Small slights add up.
- Humor can make hard topics approachable.
- Friends can cross differences.
- Art helps process experience.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The sketchbook pages add humor.
- The art is expressive.
- The book is used in classrooms.
Who Should Read New Kid?
Read it with children ages 8 to 13. It is funny and thoughtful.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of New Kid:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: New Kid by Jerry Craft (2019)
- Type: Graphic novel (middle grade)
- Best for: children and families who want a funny, honest graphic novel about school and identity
- Main idea in one line: Belonging can be built.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether New Kid is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of New Kid, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of New Kid on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Class Act by Jerry Craft: the sequel
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier: a graphic memoir about braces
- El Deafo by Cece Bell: a graphic memoir about hearing loss
Related: 15 Books Like New Kid You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Kid a series?
Yes, followed by Class Act.
Did New Kid win an award?
Yes, the Newbery Medal in 2020.
What age is it for?
Roughly 8 to 13.
Is New Kid worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for children and families who want a funny, honest graphic novel about school and identity. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading New Kid?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
Is New Kid worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for children and families who want a funny, honest graphic novel about school and identity. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading New Kid?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.