Sneak Peek: New Kid by Jerry Craft

Welcome to this month’s featured book from our Mother-Son Book Club Guide! We’re thrilled to share a story that’s sure to spark meaningful conversations and fun activities for you and your son.

Book Summary: Jordan Banks dreams of attending art school in New York City. Instead, his parents enroll him in an elite private school where he’s one of the few students of color. As Jordan navigates new friends, school bullies, and all kinds of teachers, he struggles to stay connected to his neighborhood friends and personal identity. Caught between two worlds, Jordan seeks to find where he truly belongs and who he wants to be.

 Craft, Jerry. New Kid. New York: Harper, 2019.

Discussion Question: Jordan says, “Fitting in on the ride to school is hard work! I have to be like a chameleon” (56). Have you ever felt like you had to change to fit in?

Snack Idea: Chinese food: General Tso’s chicken, shrimp lo mein, and pepper steak

Activity Idea: Practice Handshakes: Use Jordan’s dad’s tips to learn how to shake hands.

Want to dive deeper into New Kid and enjoy more activities, questions, and insights? Access our full Mother-Son Book Club Guide and make your reading experience unforgettable.Click HERE to grab your copy!