Book Review New Kid A Newbery Award Winner―A Graphic Novel about Fitting in and Staying True to Yourself

This graphic novel follows a seventh-grade artist navigating the complex social landscape of an elite private school where he stands out as one of the few students of color. Through vivid illustrations and authentic dialogue, readers experience the protagonist's dual consciousness as he moves between his Washington Heights neighborhood and his predominantly white school environment. The story captures the universal middle school experience of wanting to fit in while staying true to oneself, making it particularly resonant for children facing transitions or feeling like outsiders. Jordan's sketchbook becomes both his refuge and the vehicle through which we understand his observations about microaggressions, code-switching, and finding his place.

What sets this narrative apart is how it balances serious themes about race and class with the humor and awkwardness of middle school life, never feeling didactic while delivering important social-emotional lessons. The graphic novel format makes these complex issues accessible to young readers who might be encountering these concepts for the first time. Children who enjoy character-driven stories about school life, friendship dynamics, and artistic expression will find themselves deeply invested in Jordan's journey. This book ultimately provides both mirrors for children of color navigating similar experiences and windows for others to develop empathy and understanding about diversity and inclusion.