School Trip: A Graphic Novel (The New Kid) Paperback – April 4, 2023

My son throughly enjoyed the hopefully not last installment of this book. Keep writing ✍️ 😍

"School Trip: A Graphic Novel (The New Kid)" is an absolute gem that I stumbled upon while browsing for new reads. From the moment I opened its pages, I was transported into a world of vivid illustrations and compelling storytelling.The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own unique personality and quirks that make them relatable and endearing. The plot follows a group of students on an unforgettable school trip, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly flipping through the pages.What truly sets this graphic novel apart is its ability to tackle important themes such as friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance in a way that is both engaging and heartfelt. As someone who appreciates a good graphic novel, I was thoroughly impressed by the depth and emotional resonance of "School Trip."Whether you're a fan of graphic novels or simply looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend diving into the world of "School Trip." It's a journey you won't soon forget!

School TripJerry CraftQuill Tree Books, 2023 In the third book of the New Kid series, School Trip takes the crew to Paris, France. As an educator and parent, I am thrilled that Jerry continues to weave humor, wit, love, and acceptance into an enjoyable narrative that takes full advantage of the comics medium. This newest book teaches us about the importance of truly seeing one another for our differences and similarities. That we are all unique in our shared humanity and deserve to be treated so. Jerry does not talk down to the reader and hits head on issues such as bullying, microaggressions, and othering people. However, these topics are handled in an accessible and empathetic way that can only help us to become better people. There is no hate or judgement here. No need to feel guilty. But this book will open vital conversations so that we are all accepted and freed from a prison of prejudice. This entire series is one that we need to be reading with our young people and I know, from personal experience, that they WANT to read these books. We laugh and learn by reading the work of Jerry Craft. We become better humans. I cannot think of a better compliment to give. I also love reading and rereading Jerry’s books as there is just so much to take in on the first few readings. One has to read deeply, both the prose and illustrations, to see all the easter eggs to authors, book titles, and current events that are embedded throughout the pages. Jerry gives us a love letter to the comics medium in his shout-outs to other popular artists, authors, and books! Jerry sums up his work best by saying, “All I have ever wanted to do was to make the books I wish I had when I was a kid. To show kids of color in new and positive ways.”

We own the other two books in this series and love them, including this newest addition. I love the minority representation and the author’s willingness to address issues minority students face.The artwork is great as well. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, you will like this book too.

They’re off to Paris! If you liked the first two graphic novels by Jerry Craft, you’ll want to pick up book three in this series, as the group is now headed to Paris to close out their last year in junior high. You can also read this book as a stand alone as the author does give the reader some details about the characters to help you feel connected.I enjoyed the variety of characters that were included in this book and their different walks of life. This diversity made the book more interesting, and entertaining. In junior high, there are those students who settle into groups (or packs) and then, there were those students who walk alone. Nothing changes as excitement fills the air. The teens are looking forward to their end-of-the-year trip. The tension and division that the classmates felt during the school year felt significate and factual but that soon changes as they begin to realize what’s really important.The supportive staff are excited about being the tour guides but at the last minute, their plans are upended. So much for having things all planned out. I thought this twist of events was excellent as it put the adults on the same playing field as the students. As each group arrives at their destination, the unfamiliarity and the excitement of the situation affects everyone. It’s like their senses have come alive to embrace what’s in front of them.As they walked the streets of Paris, this alternative was the best option for them. They saw Paris for what it was. From the bathrooms to how friendly everyone was, they realize many things about themselves and life. No longer was Paris just a city in a movie or a picture in a book, they were actually experiencing Paris with their own eyes! I liked how the characters started to change. Their own observations on how their trip went at the end of their trip was a great way to wrap up this experience. This wasn’t just an educational trip for the students. This trip didn’t go according to plan, yet everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time. I feel that everyone left their better person, even the supportive staff.Another great graphic novel by Jerry Craft which touches on a variety of issues that teens encounter. 4.5 stars“In France, we work in order to live. But in America, it seems you live in order to work.”

This is an excellent read- I highly recommend for upper elementary and middle school. Craft tells a fun and entertaining story while delicately weaving in important topics around identity and race that children are having. He captures the middle grade child perfectly.

good

This author is great. This is part of a three book series. My middle school age kid has loved all three. It looks like a comic book but it still has guts. If you have a kid who doesn't love reading but you still want to encourage it, this is an excellent choice.