by Jerry Craft
Jordan is starting seventh grade at a new school—an expensive private school in a high-end neighborhood—when he’d rather go to art school. He must survive middle school, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones, all while navigating his primarily white school as a person of color.
This Newbery-Award-winning graphic novel was a lot of fun—the art was awesome, and the sense of humor made even the big issues relatable. It explored themes of race, diversity, and giving new things—and new people—a chance. To survive his school year, Jordan must find a way to blend separate aspects of his life so that they don’t pull him apart. All of these lessons are worth learning at any age.