What This Book Is About
Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life in Washington Heights, a vibrant neighborhood in upper Manhattan. His dream is to go to art school. Instead, his parents enroll him at Riverdale Academy Day School—a prestigious, overwhelmingly white private school where Jordan is one of the few kids of color.
From day one, Jordan navigates a minefield of microaggressions: teachers who confuse him with the only other Black kid, classmates who assume he got in on a scholarship, and the exhausting work of code-switching between his neighborhood identity and his school persona. Jerry Craft tells Jordan's story through stunning full-color illustrations that capture the humor, frustration, and quiet dignity of being perpetually misunderstood. The first graphic novel ever to win the Newbery Medal, New Kid is laugh-out-loud funny on the surface but carries a powerful undercurrent about race, class, and the courage it takes to be yourself when everyone around you expects you to be someone else.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
As an international school where students arrive from dozens of countries each year, UWC understands the "new kid" experience at a deep level. Jordan's struggle to belong without losing himself mirrors what many UWC students face when they move to Singapore—navigating unfamiliar social codes, managing multiple identities, and figuring out where they fit.
The graphic novel format makes this an exceptional classroom text: the visual storytelling opens conversations about representation, privilege, and microaggressions in a way that feels immediate and accessible rather than preachy. For reluctant readers, the illustrations lower the barrier to entry while the emotional depth keeps them engaged. It is one of the most requested books in UWC's Grade 7 English classes.
Reading Level Guide
Accessible even at A2 thanks to the graphic novel format. A great stepping stone to text-heavy B1 novels.
Perfect difficulty. The visual format supports comprehension while the themes challenge critical thinking.
A quick, enjoyable read at B2. Consider Ghost Boys or Refugee for a text-heavy challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.