In 'New Kid,' a Black seventh grader navigates a new school
Oct 3, 2023
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Jerry Craft, author of 'New Kid', talks about the challenges his graphic novel faced in Texas and his commitment to telling coming-of-age stories for Black kids. They discuss stereotypes, code switching, and the impact of racial biases on self-esteem. The author reflects on the banning of 'New Kid' and the importance of embracing representation, refusing to censor their work.
The graphic novel 'New Kid' illustrates the day-to-day challenges of code-switching and subtle racism faced by Black students in elite white schools.
Author Jerry Craft emphasizes the importance of countering negative narratives and providing hope through stories that showcase happy and aspirational moments for young readers of color.
Deep dives
The Graphic Novel 'New Kid' and Challenges Faced in Texas
Jerry Craft's graphic novel, 'New Kid', was challenged in Texas due to its portrayal of race and racism. Craft shares the frustrating experience of having his book challenged and his school visit canceled. Despite the reversal of the decision and the book being reviewed and deemed appropriate, the damage had already been done. 'New Kid' tells the story of 7th grader Jordan Banks, who is one of the few Black students in an elite white private school. The book highlights the day-to-day experiences of code-switching and the subtle challenges faced by Jordan and kids like him, rather than relying on catastrophic events to drive the narrative.
Addressing Racism and Providing Representation for Young Readers
Jerry Craft wanted to create a book, like 'New Kid', where young readers could relax and subtly recognize issues that can be improved for future generations. By depicting Jordan Banks' experiences in a predominantly white school, Craft addresses racist stereotypes and code-switching faced by Black children. He emphasizes the importance of countering negative narratives and providing hope through stories that showcase happy and aspirational moments for young readers. The banning and subsequent review of his book did not lead Craft to censor himself; instead, it reinforced his commitment to creating narratives where kids of color are equal to their white counterparts.
Jordan Banks, the protagonist of New Kid, is a seventh grade student who loves to draw and hopes to one day become a cartoonist. But the graphic novel following Jordan's arrival at a predominantly white, elite, private school has been challenged numerous times in the state of Texas by people claiming it promotes critical race theory. In today's episode, author Jerry Craft tells NPR's A Martinez how those challenges were often presented by parents who had not truly engaged with the material – and why it's crucial for him to tell coming-of-age stories for Black kids that don't involve catastrophe.