Class Act

New Kid #2

by Jerry Craft

In this companion book to New Kid this time it’s Jordan’s friend Drew who takes center stage in a story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school.

Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?

To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it's hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep the group together.

As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Friendship, Childrens

249 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

JERRY CRAFT is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid and Class Act. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

As with New Kid, Craft does a great job of drawing attention to the everyday racism and microaggressions his characters experience and how they try to process it. But the story is unfocused as it meanders from day to day through the school year, introducing dozens of characters who don't really do much of anything beyond saying hello. By the time things began to happen in the final pages, I was unfortunately too bored and disconnected to feel much of anything.

In New Kid, the chapter breaks paid homage to movies. I prefer this time around that Craft pays tribute to fellow middle school graphic novels like Hereville and This Was Our Pact.

The art is fine but has a strange clip-art feel to it, with frequent digital copying and pasting of characters. I've never had food give me the uncanny valley vibe before like the pie and mac 'n' cheese do here.

I still would like to see a third volume, if only to see that horrible teacher Timothy Roche get some sort of comeuppance or telling off.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great graphic novel!

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan is back at the rich kids' school he has a scholarship to for 8th grade. This time the book mainly focuses on Jordan's best friend Drew. Drew also is from a poor area of NYC and on scholarship. His issues at school at fitting in at school differ from Jordan's. The story details the issues throughout the school year with a sense of humor and seriousness. If you enjoyed New Kid, you'll certainly enjoy this as well.

Received a review copy from Harper Collins and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Kelly]

You don't need to read New Kid to read this one, but you should read it anyway. This was just fabulous and a reminder how much white adults do harm to young people of color, even with the best of intentions. But at the core, it's a story of friendship, fitting in, and finding yourself.

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Class Act is the second graphic novel in the New Kid series. I liked the first novel but this was not as good. Much like the first novel, this starts off really slow but where the New Kid actually picked up pace from the middle, this lacked pace and plot throughout.

Class Act focuses mostly on Drew, Jordan's friend and I have to say Drew wasn't the best lead. This series focuses on racism, prejudice and how kids of diverse cultures struggle with belonging. Whilst this tackles serious and everyday issues, this lacked plot and focus. It started off slow and going in one direction but then as if the author couldn't decide what to do from there just zigzags and never gets anywhere with the point or the plot.

Jordan, Drew and Liam stay the main friends in most of this book but their friendship also seemed too weak. Like I said before, I don't think Drew was the best lead as he's way too judgy. There are also so many other characters that aren't really used well in the story. Everything felt like a hotchpotch. Art also felt different and not good different. I will still continue with the series but I do hope that the plot and pacing get better.

2.5 stars

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer is over and it is time to go back to school. Jordan, Drew, and Liam are back together at Riverdale. It is good to be back, but they soon realize that a new school year means new wrinkles to the issues they struggled with in 'New Kid.' This time the focus is on Drew although we still get to enjoy comic pages drawn by Jordan. Included are clever Easter Eggs and punny chapter titles like "Sketch Diary of a Shrimpy Kid," "Teal Friends," and "Invisible M.E." If you loved 'New Kid,' you will also love this second addition to the series. Can we look forward to following them into high school in New Kid #3? I hope so!

Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO GOOD. The art is a delight. Characters are expressively drawn and clearly delineated. The chapter headings are wonderful homages to different graphic novels, and there is a terrific scene where a table full of Black students are introduced--"Angie, Nic, Jason, Renée Kwame..." I didn't catch it at first, until I noticed Kwame's shaved head and realized he was modeled on the author. Then I went back and saw who all of them were!

Wonderful Easter eggs aside, the story is full of humor It made me guffaw a few times, from one kid wryly commenting, "That's why I only fist bump him," when the friends realize Jordan's crushing handshakes are a family tradition, to the constant witty nicknames Jordan and Drew call each other, to Mr. Roche's general cluelessness, culminating in the school sending teachers to the National Organization of Cultural Liaisons Understanding Equality. (Check out the acronym.)

I love the way Craft balances friendship issues and social issues, sometimes dumping them upside down. Jordan and Drew, working class and middle class Black boys, both come from loving homes. Their white friend Liam has a chauffeur, maid, indoor swimming pool, and a messed up family. Some of the teachers are still mired in micro-aggressions and foolishness, and some are so anxious about being offensive that they become easy prey for the teasing of Samira, who wears a hijab with aplomb. Fitting in, showing someone you like them, making and challenging assumptions, and finding your own way in life--all of these very real concerns for tweens and teens are beautifully represented in the students of Riverdale Academy Day School.

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this companion/continuation of the New Kid series and I really enjoyed Drew’s story. The pacing of this one wasn’t my favorite, but it still humorously tackled major issues of growing up, racial (in)justice/prejudice, and finding one’s self. These stories are so important, and I hope all middle schoolers and educators take the time to read them.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great follow up to the award-winning New Kid!

We see more inside Drew's head as he struggles with worrying about his grandmother working too hard, friends from home not getting along with friends from school, and trying to see the perspective that having a lot of "stuff" doesn't equal happiness. I really loved the chapter headings, which are all done in the style of other graphic novel covers!

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joys and frustrations of being a kid in middle school—made a more frustrating when you're one of a handful of Black kids at a nearly all-white rich school.

I did like how this book dug at wokeness, while also showing that kids are kids.

[Sharon Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book, New Kid!!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

OFF THE CHARTS! So, so good. I couldn’t love this graphic novel more—thoughtful, sensitive, clever, hilarious, full of goofy puns, perfect illustrations (how does he do both so well?!?) everything! Stop what you’re reading snd read this instead. Right now. Perfect for middle schoolers. And anyone who’d like to read a pitch-perfect graphic novel. BRAVO! Woo hoo! [Cue Confetti!]

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a slightly harder time following the story in this book than in book one, but I still liked how author Jerry Craft showed the many ways the adults and fellow students inadvertently, and otherwise, make it difficult for the BIPoC kids to feel welcome at the school. And how it’s sometimes hard to see another person for who they are because of how they look, or where they live, or some other difference.

[Janssen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as New Kid, but still delightful and smart.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! Another winner by Jerry Craft, and the full-cast audio added to the experience as I read along. While Jordan still features prominently in this story, the focus of this book is Drew, who continues to question if he really belongs at his school. Drew, Liam, and Jordan became really good friends by the end of the previous year, but Jordan knows they're all different. Jordan doesn't really care, but Liam and Drew feel the differences more, in part because Drew is really dark and tall, which ties into the stereotypes of colorism, and Jordan is small (which he hates) and light-skinned, so he tends to be overlooked as a "black kid". Liam has more money than he knows what to do with, but what he doesn't have is Jordan's family or even Drew's grandmother. I love how this series explores what it's really like to be in middle school, but it also addresses many contemporary issues having to do with stereotypes, classism, racism, prejudice, etc. But I love Jordan's attitude on all of it and how he works to be a bridge to increasing understanding between people, even Andy. This was another fabulous graphic novel and narration and I highly recommend it.

[Josh Caporale · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read New Kid earlier this year, I fell in love with that book, the characters, the world in which they lived, and the approach that Jerry Craft took when it came to illustrating Jordan's thinking. It was brilliant! Class Act is a good follow-up, bringing us back into the world of these characters and the way in which they think. This book had a lot to do in order to be equal to or greater than the first book and I have to say... that the first book was better. Where the first book gave us a great concentration on all of the characters while primarily concentrating on Jordan Banks, the second book changes concentration, but his friend, Drew Ellis, is the character that gets the most attention in this book. Interesting enough, it starts out by continuing its concentration on Jordan, but as it progresses, it shifts to Drew. Drew is still a very interesting and likable character that displays a perspective of reason, but my concern is that this book feels uncertain as to whether or not it wants to follow multiple perspectives or just one and concentrate on one setting or in multiple. There was a lot to think about, but it was still good and I am still immersed in this world that Jerry Craft has created... with Riverdale Academy in our very own world.

We learn much more about Drew and how he lives with his grandmother, who is still working to keep them in their apartment. We also develop a greater sense of genuinely learning more about one another, in the way that there is more to knowing and caring for someone than what lies on the surface. I like how clever Craft is with the illustrations and just the dispositions of different characters and how he depicts the authenticity of race-related encounters regarding programs that help bring down racism and the training that the staff members are required to take. While I thought Mr. Roche was a bit comical in his interactions in New Kid, he just seemed desperate and annoying in Class Act, though I feel that Craft intended him to be that way. Thank goodness Miss Rawle was gone, though! My favorite character, though, still has to be Alexandra. I just love how she is the way she is and does not care what anyone thinks of her. Her way of helping Drew was my favorite part in the entire book!

Again, I enjoyed this book and want to continue reading this series. I really hope that Jerry Craft continues writing these books. If they are of this nature, I really believe he is going to have to write more of them... or however many he finds fit to tell this story.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew there was going to be big shoes to fill going into Class Act. After all, when your predecessor is a Newbery award winner, how can it not be? Well, while I did prefer New Kid, I think Class Act is an excellent book as well.

We follow many of the same kids from Class Act; they are just one year older. However racial concerns, comments, people trying to not offend.....all of it plays a role. I could identify with characters who overthink what they say in case it comes off racist (and thus by doing so they unfortunately made it racist). I also appreciated the storylines of characters wondering about the other's perceived stereotypes and being afraid to show their true colors because of said stereotypes. I feel that resonates with people across ALL races.

One thing Jerry Craft does is he pays homage to many other graphic novel writers in his "chapter headings." Anyone familiar with graphic novels will see inspiration drawn from Dav Pilkey, Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, and so many others....it brought a smile to my face every time.

I want to see what middle grade readers think of this book. And I also can't help but wonder if come next month it will generate award buzz too.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic sequel to New Kid! It tackles more tough topics with humor and heart. The ending had me grinning with a full heart.

Also, I loved how the chapter title pages were all spoofs of other middle grade graphic novels and books, so freaking funny!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved so much about this book.

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these characters!

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

Summer is over and it is time to go back to school. Jordan, Drew, and Liam are back together at Riverdale. It is good to be back, but they soon realize that a new school year means new wrinkles to the issues they struggled with in 'New Kid.' This time the focus is on Drew although we still get to enjoy comic pages drawn by Jordan. Included are clever Easter Eggs and punny chapter titles like "Sketch Diary of a Shrimpy Kid," "Teal Friends," and "Invisible M.E." If you loved 'New Kid,' you will also love this second addition to the series. Can we look forward to following them into high school in New Kid #3? I hope so!

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar follow-up to New Kid! My elementary students love New Kid and will love this, but it’s deeper themes and subtle humor will resonate stronger with middle school students. I love seeing complex topics being addressed in middle grade books, especially in graphic format.

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the continuation of “The New Kid” Series where we follow Drew this time. It felt slightly off though because we followed Jordan just as much so I kept forgetting whose point of view we were truly supposed to be following. I like that we kept up with Jordan’s comics though. It was nice seeing the characters go through changes both personally and at their school. We see that their school is trying to do better at being more diverse and a lot of it is cringe worthy things that higher ups think are correct but tend to have a negative affect on those their trying to “inspire.” Honestly, this series is awesome at showing some of the small and big things that people do that are racist but they don’t realize it is like “how do you pronounce your last name? I feel like I say it wrong everytime.”, “”Can I touch your hair?”, Do you pray and worship around skulls?” Drew and Jordan really weren’t afraid to bring up what they went through as black kids and it was truly fascinating seeing their different experiences. Things truly seem to be heading on a better path for them and I can’t wait to see what happens in (hopefully) another installment.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as New Kid but I enjoyed revisiting these characters.

[Colin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cringe worthy, built on flimsy stereotypes all pointing in one direction - white people are stupid, clueless, not cool and are all rich. The illustrations are also clearly done with the help of a computer and detract from the story. There are some witty intervals when drawn from the viewpoint of one of the child protagonists. But what I take away from this is the content of your character is defined by the color of your skin. My two boys will read it, and I would be very curious what they think. Their Middle School has immigrants from Ethiopia, Korea as well as US Military kids who have lived everywhere. We live in a lower middle class neighborhood and people's identities are complicated. My wife is from Tajikistan, a country no one has even heard of. But this complexity is embraced and people are naturally curious because they are surrounded by people with unique identities. We love our neighborhood and we'll see what my boys say about this book. Blecch.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It introduces and displays so many aspects of privilege, stereotypes, racism, prejudice, class, race, people, hair, colorism, biases.. and puts it in a way that is honest but not traumatic and triggering for the reader.

I'm glad that we got to know a little more about Drew + Liam this book.. knowing more about both their home lives illustrated the above well. Overall just a great writing style, storytelling and artwork is emotive and engaging.

I struggle with reading so I would suggest this book for a reluctant reader.. honestly -- every kid, adult + parent could read this book and get SOMETHING from it. Something to talk about, something to question, something to discuss about our differences.. privilege, race, class, opportunities, biases.. there's so much to unpack here and many conversations that could be had page to page.. chapter to chapter. Looking forward to #3 if there is one. If not.. I'll be sad (lol)

[Rachel Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked a lot of the empathy for each other's home situations and cameos of other authors. I do see its shelf life as limited, since it references graphic novels that are timely now that won't be timely later. I was also angry with the librarian characters comment about graphic novels not being real books. That comment could have literally been anything else, and it instills a mindset that librarians everywhere work tirelessly to combat. I honestly expected more of championing graphic novels, especially for students who won't see that comment as attempted sarcasm and will read it literally. While it won't need my promotion, I won't be active in recommending it, either.

[Denisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro de ilustraciones que muestra lo que viven los jóvenes hoy en día y por lo que tienen que pasar para sobrevivir en un ambiente distinto en el que fueron criados.

Este segundo libro nos muestra por lo que tienen que pasar los tres amigos Jordan, Drew y Liam.

El primer libro se enfoca más en Jordan y este en Drew, quien no se siente confiando y seguro por estar en una escuela rodeado de personas totalmente diferentes a sus costumbres.

La amistad se pone a prueba cuando las inseguridades de cada uno interfiere.

A pesar de todo, la amistad es tan fuerte entre los amigos, que siguen adelante y consolidándose más.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 2 out of 5]

While still tackling racism, microaggressions, and inequality head on, this middle grade comic was not as crisp as the first book in the series. Sure, there are real issues explored, and this would make for a great discussion primer with kids, but the story itself felt muddled - there wasn't a clear thread, and too many characters show up just to show up. The art is OK, and I appreciated the homage to other creators with each chapter start. I hope there'll be more installments, and that we'll get back to what made the first installment a winner.

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Jerry Craft's first graphic novel, New Kid, so much that I was actually hesitant to read his follow-up, Class Act. I finally read it, and it more than lived up to my expectations. As a former middle school teacher, I particularly appreciate when authors write true middle school characters. This work, along with New Kid, is one of the most honest examinations of race issues, as well as much more, that I have seen portrayed in literature. Excellent all around. I hope he writes more.

- Reviewed by Amy H.