Congratulations to New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Jerry Craft who is having a very special year. His book, New Kid, is the winner of the 2020 John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. This is the first graphic novel in the Newbery's nearly 100 year history to receive the award. He also received the 2020 Coretta Scott King(Author) Book Award. Every year this award recognizes an African-American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
In New Kid, readers meet seventh grader Jordan Banks who loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
New Kid is a timely, insightful novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. Young adults will find this book a great addition to their summer reading list with its message of diversity and change. New Kid will resonate with many in this season of social and political transformation.
