New Kid

    I especially enjoyed reading New Kid because of its ability to depict a school environment with which many of us can relate back to our own middle school experiences. As stated on the dedication page, Jerry Craft dedicates his comic book "to the Jordan Banks in all of us." The connection that so many of us are able to make with this text is evident that Craft's work has accomplished this goal of reaching audiences that can relate to feelings of newness, fear, isolation, and adjustment. Reading of Jordan's transition to his new school, RAD, truly put important issues into perspective for me - his anxieties and fears reminded me of the feelings that I experienced when moving from a small Catholic school to a large, public elementary school for first grade. Though this transition was difficult, I realize now how very privileged I was; I did not have to worry about other students mocking me or belittling me because of pieces of my identity such as race or background. 
    Therefore, the utilization of humor in this book was powerful, as it allowed me to understand these issues of racism and exclusion in schools and communities more clearly. While Craft's humor is oftentimes whimsical, childlike, and innocent, it masterfully sheds light upon the injustices experienced by many. For example, when describing his bus ride to school, Jordan's comedic tone brings awareness to issues of prejudice, biases, and preconceived notions. He says, "last comes Riverdale, where I do my best not to look cool AT ALL! No shades, and definitely no hood. I don't even like to draw 'cause people might think I'm going to use my markers to 'tag the bus'" (56). The drawings in this scene depict Jordan on the bus, surrounded by other families, and a cop watching him closely. It is only when he exclaims, "I LOVE quadratic equations, don't you?" that the onlookers expressions change from judgemental, to accepting (56). Together, the humor in these drawings and this commentary represents the assumptions that we form about others due to parts of our identities like race, whether it be subconsciously or not. Further, it depicts the stereotypical assumptions that society continues to associate with one's race or identity. These issues are only few of the many that Jordan endures over the course of this book, as do many in society today.

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