New Kid

“This is how I feel every single day of my life, like I’m falling without a parachute. I mean, I’m not really falling. That’s called a metaphor. I learned about them in English. When I was younger I used to wish I was Superman. So instead of falling, I could fly. But now that I’m twelve, I realize just how 

Jerry Craft begins New Kid with a picture of Jordan Banks falling through space to symbolize his lack of control over his life as he prepares to enter Riverdale Academy Day School. To avoid confusing younger readers, Craft uses humor to explain this metaphor. Jordan’s early admiration of Superman also foreshadows his later interest in Batman, as older children gravitate toward the dark, self-made hero.

“The handshake is one of the most important rituals on earth. Why? I don’t know. Nobody does! But here’s how to do it. Step #1 ONLY use your right hand…even if you’re a lefty. #2 ALWAYS look each other in the eye. #3 Remember, the firmer your grip, the more that people will respect you.” 

Jordan’s sketchbook peeks into his worldview, one where he doesn’t understand many adult customs. This advice comes from his father, who worries about people talking down to his son and delivers vice-grip handshakes to Liam’s father and Gran’pa. Jordan includes comical sketches to go with these directions, such as drawing a snowman to depict cold hands and a series where the person’s handshake pins a job recruiter to the ground.

“S’up, Lame-O? So who’s this? One of Grayson’s middle school friends? […] You’re in the first form?!! Wow, Gordon. You’re really small!! […] I’m Andy. Andy Peterson. So what sport do you play, Gordon? And what are you, anyway?” 

Craft quickly sets up Andy as an antagonist. In addition to mocking someone he just met and mispronouncing Jordan’s name, Andy asks inappropriate questions about what Jordan’s race is and later insinuates that he would like Mr. Garner, a Black teacher, “’cause’s he’s… he’s… well… you’ll see” (29). His equal-opportunity offensiveness and ability to stay just outside the line of blatant racism protects him from disciplinary action.