Meet the “New Kid”

Companion Activities for the New Kid

1)

Write and illustrate parts of “New Kid”

2) Research Kwanzaa and other holidays

3) Write diaries for the characters in the story

Jordan’s first year at Riverdale Academy ends on a high note despite some trials throughout his first year in middle school. His initial two days are especially dispiriting. Ask readers to imagine Jordan’s return to RAD for his eighth-grade school year. Using Jordan’s sketchbook format, children can write and illustrate his first two days upon his return to Riverdale Academy for a second year.

During the Christmas holidays, Jordan’s parents create a family celebration of Kwanzaa in order to give him a sense of pride in his African American roots. Encourage children to research Kwanzaa online and then employ a graphic novel manner to highlight one or more of the holiday’s seven-day observances.

Jordan’s weirdest classmate is Alexandria (Alex) who exhibits the peculiar behavior of always covering her left hand with a Muppet character such as Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street. In one of the most heart-warming passages of New Kid, Alex confides in Jordan why she always covers her entire left hand with puppets. Invite readers to retell Alexandria’s story in a diary that she might keep.