New Kid
By Jerry Craft
"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 enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. 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 neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?"- Provided by publisher
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Racial Content
According to the ACLU of Massachusetts, New Kid by Jerry Craft has been banned as part of an effort to stamp out “Critical Race Theory" being taught in schools.
Jerry Craft was surprised that his book was banned for this reason: “The story is based on his own experiences as a young Black kid attending a mostly white private school in New York City. [Craft said,] “I had to Google Critical Race Theory and try to find out how I was, how I was teaching it," (MSNBC).
See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about Critical Race Theory and how attacks on Critical Race Theory are attacks on Intellectual Freedom.
Jerry Craft was interviewed about New Kid getting banned for the "Into America" podcast with Trymaine Lee, listen to it here:
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
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Print Book
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eBook not available at STCC, please see other options below
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: