New Kid by Jerry Craft

EXPOSITION

RISING ACTION

CLIMAX

FALLING ACTION

RESOLUTION

Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, New Kid is an entertaining and important story about the racism and prejudice that still exists in America in the present day.

Jordan is a 12 year old boy who lives in Washington Heights and goes to a prestigious school in Upper Manhattan. He struggles to fit in at his new school as one of the only kids of color, while also trying to stay true to his neighborhood roots and his desire to go to art school someday.

Jordan meets Drew, another African American boy, with whom he has a lot in common. The two boys and Liam, Jordan’s “guide” turned friend, begin hanging out.

While Andy and Drew are arguing in the cafeteria, Andy slips on an apple and Ms. Rawle blames Drew. All that has bubbled up inside of the boys comes out, and they stick up for themselves.

Ms. Rawle finds Jordan’s sketchbook and goes through it, accusing Jordan of attacking the school by saying negative things. Jordan points out that everything he is writing and drawing about is true, and that’s the problem.

Jordan’s artwork makes the cover of the yearbook, and he feels proud. Everyone signs each other’s yearbooks and says goodbye for the summer. Jordan is actually excited to return next year.