'New Kid' is a book that points out the flaws of society

For Black History Month I wanted to read something I haven't read before, and have the opportunity to observe in children's literature how crucial topics -such as racial prejudice- are painted in such a way for the younger generation to understand, so I decided to pick up a copy of "New Kid" by the author and illustrator Jerry Craft.

Photo Credit: Jerry Craft

Coming of age

The winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal, this graphic novel focuses on Jordan Banks, an African American seventh grader who must adapt to the new environment of a fancy prep school.
When he's not in class or hanging out with his friends, Jordan enjoys expressing himself through art in his sketchbook. He aspires to go to art school but despite his wishes, his mother insists that he attend Riverdale Academy Day School also known as RADS.

Friendship

This graphic novel can develop a feeling of nostalgia for adults.

Remember that one kid who everyone thought was strange in middle school? Who can forget that obnoxious [insert name of obnoxious kid from past]? Jordan expands his horizons when he meets people of different backgrounds, most of which are misunderstood.
A few friends that he meets along the way are Liam, Drew, and Alexandra. The first friend he makes is Liam, a humble boy who comes from a privileged family. Jordan's other good friend, Drew, is one of the very few other students of color in his class. Then there's Alexandra, who is at first a seemingly strange girl that talks like a baby while wearing a puppet on her arm.
It's interesting to observe how Jordan comes to the realization that some of his peers are not what they seem to be because it reminds readers that there's usually more to one's character than how they are first perceived. Despite the change in environment, Jordan still manages to keep in touch with his old friends from his neighborhood.

Social class

As he takes the bus ride from Washington Heights to the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan feels as though he must shift how he acts -such as his body language- at various stops to affect how the other passengers perceive him. Once he arrives, Jordan is exposed to a population of students majority of which come from a privileged background.

Racial prejudice and racism

This book focuses on heavy topics, one of which is racial prejudice. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Jordan and his classmates attended a book fair on campus because it's interesting how Craft compares racial prejudice to the act of judging the cover of a book. Every individual has a unique story, a different situation, yet people are constantly being judged based on physical appearance. As stated before, it reminds readers that first impressions aren't always correct.

The act of being confused with someone else who happens to share the same race, or the assumption that one will be fond of another just because they share the same ethnicity are all flaws of society. Addressing issues like these to the younger generation can help prevent the pattern from being repeated.

I appreciate books like these that help children understand heavy issues and though it is aimed for the younger audience, it's definitely one that readers of all ages can learn from and will enjoy.