About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is transitioning to a new environment where they feel like an outsider, or when you want to discuss the subtle social dynamics of race and class. This Newbery Medal-winning graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a creative seventh-grader who loves art but finds himself enrolled in a prestigious, predominately white private school instead of the art school of his dreams. As he commutes between his Washington Heights neighborhood and his upscale academy, he must navigate the tricky waters of staying true to himself while bridging two very different worlds. Parents will appreciate how the story handles complex topics like microaggressions and privilege with humor and honesty. It is an excellent tool for normalizing the anxiety of fitting in and for teaching kids how to recognize and address social injustices in their daily lives. The graphic novel format makes it highly accessible for middle-grade readers, offering a realistic look at friendship, identity, and the importance of finding your own voice.
