Jordan Banks is a gifted artist and now that he's entering 7th grade, wants to go to a school of the arts. His mother and father have a different idea. Jordan is smart, very smart and they want him to attend one of the best, and most expensive prep schools in NYC. A far cry from his Washington Heights neighborhood. Jordan relents, but now must learn how to fit in to a foreign environment. Jordan is only one of two people of color at rich and white Riverdale Prep. He now must learn to navigate the rich, elitist culture at his school, while balancing it with his friends from his working class neighborhood. How does he fit in with both worlds and stay true to himself? Jordan deals with the hidden racism and social pitfalls in a sweet poignant way. He navigates insensitive bullies, problematic girls, and a foreign school culture. His parents are supportive and loving, but oft times embarrassing, as most parents are for middle schoolers. Readers will laugh, but be endeared to Jordan, and cheer for him throughout.
Jerry Craft's artwork is graphic and creative. I also liked how each chapter title is a parody of a movie title. I highly recommend this to all readers, but in particular to those teachers how find graphic novels unacceptable literature. Graphic novels are an excellent bridge for reluctant readers, and contain all aspects of literature, allowing them to be easily adapted into a literature curriculum.
Mark's Book Picks Score: 4
Reading Level: 2.9 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 2 • Lexile Level: 320 • Publisher: HarperCollins • Pages: 249 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-06-269119-4 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding
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