“This distinct, timely, and honest story respects children and gives its readers a glimpse into what it means to be other.” – Newbery Medal Committee Chair Krishna Grady

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enrol him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of colour in his entire year.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighbourhood friends and staying true to himself?

Barb Turk facilitates this study of the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, examining reading strategies, building visual literacy and offering a platform for middle-grade students to consider racism through the characters’ relationships and interactions at school and home.

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