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J vs. K
Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this hilarious illustrated story about a rivalry between two talented fifth graders celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
J and K are the most talented and creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top.
J and K are the most talented and creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
48 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Kwame Alexander
82 books3,146 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 24, 2025
A stretched out, metafiction rehash of an old Reese's Peanut Butter Cup commercial: "You got your text on my illustrations!"
J Ennis likes to draw wordless comics. K Wright writes poetry and has an expansive vocabulary. They are immediate rivals, both vying to be the first fifth grader to win the school storytelling contest and willing to borrow from and sabotage their opponent.
The story is cluttered with bad puns, and the authors intrude frequently to joke, bicker, and insult each other.
Side note: I read this book because it made NPR's favorite graphic novel list (see below), but I have to point out that it is not a graphic novel. Something like 90% of this book is text with spot illustrations. There are two short comic sequences -- stories within the story -- but they do not boost this to graphic novel status, NPR. My local library has it in Juvenile Fiction.
(Best of 2025 Project: I'm reading all the graphic novels that made it onto one or more of these lists:
• Washington Post 10 Best Graphic Novels of 2025
• Publishers Weekly 2025 Graphic Novel Critics Poll
• NPR's Books We Love 2025: Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels
This book made the NPR list.)
J Ennis likes to draw wordless comics. K Wright writes poetry and has an expansive vocabulary. They are immediate rivals, both vying to be the first fifth grader to win the school storytelling contest and willing to borrow from and sabotage their opponent.
The story is cluttered with bad puns, and the authors intrude frequently to joke, bicker, and insult each other.
Side note: I read this book because it made NPR's favorite graphic novel list (see below), but I have to point out that it is not a graphic novel. Something like 90% of this book is text with spot illustrations. There are two short comic sequences -- stories within the story -- but they do not boost this to graphic novel status, NPR. My local library has it in Juvenile Fiction.
(Best of 2025 Project: I'm reading all the graphic novels that made it onto one or more of these lists:
• Washington Post 10 Best Graphic Novels of 2025
• Publishers Weekly 2025 Graphic Novel Critics Poll
• NPR's Books We Love 2025: Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels
This book made the NPR list.)
May 9, 2025
This was a hilarious and definitely a great idea to read after all those tear-jerkers and all the terrible that's happening now. I hope y'all pick it up!
May 2, 2025
5 stars
*****UPDATED 5/2/25*****
When I originally interacted with this text, it was through an electronic copy, and I really enjoyed the read (see original review below). I was skeptical about the audio version since the illustrations add so much. While I still recommend reviewing the illustrations, I have to say that I enjoyed the audio even more than the e-book. These two narrating their own book? Absolute GOLD.
******************************************************************************
Original Review of the e-Book from 4/13/25:
4 stars
Like many prospective readers, I came to this book because of my ongoing appreciation for the co-authors. This incoming knowledge of both writers' works also led me to have specific expectations about what I'd find here. While those expectations were somewhat challenged, I am still finishing the read satisfied.
J and K are fifth graders who badly - and I mean badly - want to win The Contest. Both kids realize that they have serious competition in each other, and this evolves (devolves!) into a pretty extreme and often amusing rivalry.
The basic plot of this - even for a middle grade novel - is almost too simplistic, and I did struggle with that at times. What I absolutely loved throughout is the constant interjecting from both authors, who also serve as characters in their own ways, sharing regular brief asides about their choices and each other. They really take the J vs. K bit to a whole other level, and it is a lot of fun to encounter that part.
This is labeled as a graphic novel in some spaces, and that is not quite right in my estimation. There are vital illustrations, but these illustrations do not accompany or replace the written text throughout. This is more accurately a middle grade novel with fun illustrations on the side.
An original and fun conversation between two characters and authors, this book brings something fresh. to the middle grade circuit, and it's all the more exciting that it's coming from two proven and respected writers.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Readers for this arc (and later ALC), which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
*****UPDATED 5/2/25*****
When I originally interacted with this text, it was through an electronic copy, and I really enjoyed the read (see original review below). I was skeptical about the audio version since the illustrations add so much. While I still recommend reviewing the illustrations, I have to say that I enjoyed the audio even more than the e-book. These two narrating their own book? Absolute GOLD.
******************************************************************************
Original Review of the e-Book from 4/13/25:
4 stars
Like many prospective readers, I came to this book because of my ongoing appreciation for the co-authors. This incoming knowledge of both writers' works also led me to have specific expectations about what I'd find here. While those expectations were somewhat challenged, I am still finishing the read satisfied.
J and K are fifth graders who badly - and I mean badly - want to win The Contest. Both kids realize that they have serious competition in each other, and this evolves (devolves!) into a pretty extreme and often amusing rivalry.
The basic plot of this - even for a middle grade novel - is almost too simplistic, and I did struggle with that at times. What I absolutely loved throughout is the constant interjecting from both authors, who also serve as characters in their own ways, sharing regular brief asides about their choices and each other. They really take the J vs. K bit to a whole other level, and it is a lot of fun to encounter that part.
This is labeled as a graphic novel in some spaces, and that is not quite right in my estimation. There are vital illustrations, but these illustrations do not accompany or replace the written text throughout. This is more accurately a middle grade novel with fun illustrations on the side.
An original and fun conversation between two characters and authors, this book brings something fresh. to the middle grade circuit, and it's all the more exciting that it's coming from two proven and respected writers.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Readers for this arc (and later ALC), which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 3, 2025
5 stars. Friendly competitive banter between author notes from very first page, funny about changing j’s dad occupation in middle of story, an advertisement for rewriting
Chocolate fried chicken?
J would have to find a way to Rebound (title of one of Kwame’s books) and K was the New Kid (title of one of Jerry’s books)
K’s mom and dad grew up in the olden days when kids used to have to work for their parents, love and support.
6th person like Shakespeare? Is that a real thing? lol
J=pictures K=words
Good to see story with 5th graders, seems like lots of MG books feature 6th grade MCs
Fun contest, fun ending
More fun with J&K QR code wouldn’t open : too many redirects
Fun author bios written by each other
Reading buds say this is excellent on audio as well
Chocolate fried chicken?
J would have to find a way to Rebound (title of one of Kwame’s books) and K was the New Kid (title of one of Jerry’s books)
K’s mom and dad grew up in the olden days when kids used to have to work for their parents, love and support.
6th person like Shakespeare? Is that a real thing? lol
J=pictures K=words
Good to see story with 5th graders, seems like lots of MG books feature 6th grade MCs
Fun contest, fun ending
More fun with J&K QR code wouldn’t open : too many redirects
Fun author bios written by each other
Reading buds say this is excellent on audio as well
July 11, 2025
J is J-enious at drawing, and no one can beat K a laying down the rhymes. There is a story-telling contest. Who has what it takes to take the prize?
Great concept, with a stellar creators, but the execution felt clunky. Like when Shienken and Supetys teamed up last year, it may be a case of solo acts doing better on their own. There were a few legit funny moments - particularly with who eventually won the prize.
Great concept, with a stellar creators, but the execution felt clunky. Like when Shienken and Supetys teamed up last year, it may be a case of solo acts doing better on their own. There were a few legit funny moments - particularly with who eventually won the prize.
August 18, 2025
Love me a kid rivalry that realizes they actually have a lot in common and then become best friends 🤝
August 13, 2025
J Vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft (2025)
viii+231-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-226
Genre: Middle Grade, Humor, School Story
Featuring: Letter From the Authors, Illustrations, Rivals Trope, Fifth Graders, Scholastic Setting, Comics, Author Notes, Definitions, Contest Trope, Family Dynamics, Writing Tips, Publisher's Links, Author's QR
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Something About Us" by Daft Punk
Books and Authors mentioned: The Lord of the Rings Series by J. K. Rowling, Rebound by Kwame Alexander, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor; Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis; Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey, Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, James Baldwin, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🏽🆚️✍️🏾
My thoughts: I was totally expecting this to be a graphic novel, but it's not, although it does contain a graphic story. This is a quick read and hilarious. My son and I were supposed to read it together but I got tired of waiting and read it on my own. So I don't know his thoughts on it, but I do know he plans on reading it soon thanks to a quote I sent him. I recommend you use dual reading have the audiobook narrated by both authors accompanying the print.
Recommend to others: Yes! This story has a lot of lessons within its pages and you don't even know you're getting them.
Memorable Quotes: But because they were in different classes, J hadn’t really gotten a chance to know K at all. But what J did know was that whenever he looked at K, he couldn’t help but notice that he carried a notebook around with him. Almost like J’s own sketchbook. And he even had the nerve to use a single letter for his name, too… K! “That’s MY thing!” J thought. Suddenly, his forehead turned cold and moist. That was always a sign that something wasn’t quite right. “Uh-oh! What if this kid is an artist like me?” J wondered. Then he thought an even worse thought. “What if K is even BETTER than me? Now, THAT would be horrible!”
As he stared across the auditorium, a wave of thoughts flooded his brain. “First of all, K has a bald head. NOBODY in the whole school has a bald head! Except for the cafeteria cook, but he’s a grown-up. Secondly, he’s pretty tall for a fifth grader. In fact, he’s already bigger than Ms. Hawkins, who teaches second grade! Third, he’s really confident!”
K couldn’t draw bathwater. He couldn’t draw a straight line if he had a ruler. He couldn’t draw a conclusion even if he had all the facts! His squares looked like circles. And his circles looked more like lima beans. Though, just like J, he was known for creating the coolest pictures EVER… but with words!
My words are so hot, my teeth glow My poems plant hope, make trees grow.
In fact, K’s parents made enough money that they could not only hire someone to cut the grass, but they could also afford to hire people to do EVERYTHING! Cook, clean, drive K and his sister to school, shop… you name it. But since both his mom and his dad grew up in the olden days when kids used to have to work for their parents’ love and support, they made sure that both K and his little sister, Taki, did chores. They said it built character.
“Well, we’re not supposed to lend out reference books, but since no one has actually touched this book since they invented Google… I’ll make an exception,” she said. “Wait, I didn’t think of that. I can just go online and find words that—” “NOOOOOOOOOO!” Ms. Yang screamed. “Books are more reliable than the ever-changing Internet. The information in books goes through so many people before it’s printed. Editors… proofreaders… but anyone can post information online. It doesn’t even have to be true.” “Oh!” “Plus, if nobody checks out b-o-o-k-s, I’ll be out of a J-O-B!”
“If no one understands my story, that means I JUST MADE ART!!! And I’ll win awards, too! That’s how it always is! If normal people don’t get it, that means that critics will LOVE IT!!!”
viii+231-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-226
Genre: Middle Grade, Humor, School Story
Featuring: Letter From the Authors, Illustrations, Rivals Trope, Fifth Graders, Scholastic Setting, Comics, Author Notes, Definitions, Contest Trope, Family Dynamics, Writing Tips, Publisher's Links, Author's QR
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Something About Us" by Daft Punk
Books and Authors mentioned: The Lord of the Rings Series by J. K. Rowling, Rebound by Kwame Alexander, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor; Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis; Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey, Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff, James Baldwin, Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🏽🆚️✍️🏾
My thoughts: I was totally expecting this to be a graphic novel, but it's not, although it does contain a graphic story. This is a quick read and hilarious. My son and I were supposed to read it together but I got tired of waiting and read it on my own. So I don't know his thoughts on it, but I do know he plans on reading it soon thanks to a quote I sent him. I recommend you use dual reading have the audiobook narrated by both authors accompanying the print.
Recommend to others: Yes! This story has a lot of lessons within its pages and you don't even know you're getting them.
Memorable Quotes: But because they were in different classes, J hadn’t really gotten a chance to know K at all. But what J did know was that whenever he looked at K, he couldn’t help but notice that he carried a notebook around with him. Almost like J’s own sketchbook. And he even had the nerve to use a single letter for his name, too… K! “That’s MY thing!” J thought. Suddenly, his forehead turned cold and moist. That was always a sign that something wasn’t quite right. “Uh-oh! What if this kid is an artist like me?” J wondered. Then he thought an even worse thought. “What if K is even BETTER than me? Now, THAT would be horrible!”
As he stared across the auditorium, a wave of thoughts flooded his brain. “First of all, K has a bald head. NOBODY in the whole school has a bald head! Except for the cafeteria cook, but he’s a grown-up. Secondly, he’s pretty tall for a fifth grader. In fact, he’s already bigger than Ms. Hawkins, who teaches second grade! Third, he’s really confident!”
K couldn’t draw bathwater. He couldn’t draw a straight line if he had a ruler. He couldn’t draw a conclusion even if he had all the facts! His squares looked like circles. And his circles looked more like lima beans. Though, just like J, he was known for creating the coolest pictures EVER… but with words!
My words are so hot, my teeth glow My poems plant hope, make trees grow.
In fact, K’s parents made enough money that they could not only hire someone to cut the grass, but they could also afford to hire people to do EVERYTHING! Cook, clean, drive K and his sister to school, shop… you name it. But since both his mom and his dad grew up in the olden days when kids used to have to work for their parents’ love and support, they made sure that both K and his little sister, Taki, did chores. They said it built character.
“Well, we’re not supposed to lend out reference books, but since no one has actually touched this book since they invented Google… I’ll make an exception,” she said. “Wait, I didn’t think of that. I can just go online and find words that—” “NOOOOOOOOOO!” Ms. Yang screamed. “Books are more reliable than the ever-changing Internet. The information in books goes through so many people before it’s printed. Editors… proofreaders… but anyone can post information online. It doesn’t even have to be true.” “Oh!” “Plus, if nobody checks out b-o-o-k-s, I’ll be out of a J-O-B!”
“If no one understands my story, that means I JUST MADE ART!!! And I’ll win awards, too! That’s how it always is! If normal people don’t get it, that means that critics will LOVE IT!!!”
May 27, 2025
These two are flawless in their work. The audiobook surpasses the physical book in quality. Kwame and Jerry are true masters of their craft, excelling not only in their vocal performances but also in creating a deep personal connection with the audience. Definitely for an elementary audience.
June 22, 2025
My favorite children’s book of the year. I absolutely love seeing Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft team up together, and I can’t wait to see more! Laugh out loud funny for an adult even.
July 10, 2025
Hope there's a book #2! :)
August 28, 2025
With Jerry Craft (New Kid trilogy) and Kwame Alexander (Crossover books, Solo, Swing, Undefeated…) teaming up and using their wordsmithing combined with Craft’s sketch work, bookish people knew this would be an excellent read for kids. When we all discovered the puns, “dad jokes,” relatable enemies-frenemies-friends trope and a hilarious competition between the two creators (both real life AND the book’s main characters), suspicions were confirmed.
5th grader J Ennis is the best illustrator in his whole grade and he’s determined to prove he is also the most talented in the whole school when he becomes the first fifth grader to win the school’s annual storytelling content. But new kid (ha!) K Wright may give him a run for his money with his skills in crafting stories and poems in traditional text. The two set out to create the best stories they can but somehow they keep getting put together in a variety of humorous situations and finally, when their sneaky, double-crossing one another backfires, the two realize that every encounter has revealed how much they have in common, how well they work together in school situations and finally team up to create the best written AND illustrated story done by either of them. Of course, readers will see that part coming but there is a twist at the end. One that continues the puns and humorous bits perfectly.
Excellent choice for readers in grades 3-6 who enjoy humor and a feel good story about friendship. Frequent sketches and short stories done in graphic panels are mixed into the traditional prose and regular interruptions and asides by the two authors as they try to top one another. Chapter 10 3/4 is sure to make many in that target audience cringe in delight with all its booger talk and assorted grossness. Text is free of profanity, violence and sexual content altho’ there are a few things tuning readers in to some potential crushes developing.
5th grader J Ennis is the best illustrator in his whole grade and he’s determined to prove he is also the most talented in the whole school when he becomes the first fifth grader to win the school’s annual storytelling content. But new kid (ha!) K Wright may give him a run for his money with his skills in crafting stories and poems in traditional text. The two set out to create the best stories they can but somehow they keep getting put together in a variety of humorous situations and finally, when their sneaky, double-crossing one another backfires, the two realize that every encounter has revealed how much they have in common, how well they work together in school situations and finally team up to create the best written AND illustrated story done by either of them. Of course, readers will see that part coming but there is a twist at the end. One that continues the puns and humorous bits perfectly.
Excellent choice for readers in grades 3-6 who enjoy humor and a feel good story about friendship. Frequent sketches and short stories done in graphic panels are mixed into the traditional prose and regular interruptions and asides by the two authors as they try to top one another. Chapter 10 3/4 is sure to make many in that target audience cringe in delight with all its booger talk and assorted grossness. Text is free of profanity, violence and sexual content altho’ there are a few things tuning readers in to some potential crushes developing.
May 31, 2025
4.5 stars
September 8, 2025
This is just so on point for 5th graders! I enjoyed it very much.
June 8, 2025
3.5 stars. Good, but I almost felt if they had spent even more time on it, it could’ve been even better and more epic.
I really liked the Competition entry, but wouldn’t it have been hilarious if J’s sabotaged writing attempt and K’s sabotaged drawing attempt turned out to be actually faux-brilliant at the adult level, even if kids didn’t get it. There are even hints that they could’ve gone this direction. After all, “If no one understands my story, that means I JUST MADE ART!!!”
I really liked the Competition entry, but wouldn’t it have been hilarious if J’s sabotaged writing attempt and K’s sabotaged drawing attempt turned out to be actually faux-brilliant at the adult level, even if kids didn’t get it. There are even hints that they could’ve gone this direction. After all, “If no one understands my story, that means I JUST MADE ART!!!”
September 2, 2025
This was so much fun! As a big fan of both Jerry and Kwame, I was totally on board and was not disappointed. I loved the mixed media, I loved the “interruptions” throughout, I loved all the callbacks to not only their own work, but adding in Jeff Kinney was so fun too. Definitely recommend!
March 25, 2025
Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
“Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this hilarious illustrated story about a rivalry between two talented fifth graders celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
J and K are the most talented and creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top”.
This book was really charming and fun, and I loved the rivalry between J. and K. The illustrations by Jerry Craft are charming, and I loved the debates between Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander. I really enjoyed all of the references to other authors and books sprinkled throughout this book as well. The story was also charming and funny. I really liked this book, and would recommend it to kids ages 8-12.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this hilarious illustrated story about a rivalry between two talented fifth graders celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
J and K are the most talented and creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top”.
This book was really charming and fun, and I loved the rivalry between J. and K. The illustrations by Jerry Craft are charming, and I loved the debates between Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander. I really enjoyed all of the references to other authors and books sprinkled throughout this book as well. The story was also charming and funny. I really liked this book, and would recommend it to kids ages 8-12.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 12, 2025
I think teachers will like all the teaching aspects of this book. Because of the humor and figurative language and puns it would work best as a group read with all studens seeing the text through multiple copies, or with use of a doc camera.
November 15, 2025
I am so glad I found this at my library because, as a personal huge fan of Jerry Craft's graphic novels, I knew right away that his work combined with Kwame Alexander's; an author who I really haven't touched on too much; would be amazing. And I was right!
○♡ SUMMARY ♡○
J has always been known as the best artist and storyteller in the entire 5th grade; he's always thinking of these crazy ideas for stories! But when he sees the talent of the new kid, K, a very reserved writer; start to come out, J gets a bit worried. Their school's annual storytelling contest is on the horizon, and J and K both don't know how to come up with a story good enough to outdo not only each other, but their entire school. No 5th grader has ever won in the history of this contest, so the pressure is on. Will the two remain as rivals, or will Just artistic talent and K's use of words combine to make a truly unforgettable story? Read it and find out!!
○♡ OPINIONS ♡○
Like I said, I've been a fan of Jerry Craft for multiple years now, so when I saw this in the children's room of my library, I was very intrigued. An incredibly hysterical, light, timeless book to read if you're busy with homework and just need to relax at night, like me personally. Did this exceed my expectations? Yes, I LOVED every part of it!! Their rivalry at the beginning was interesting to read, and once both of them realized they really had to join forces to make this story come together, I got so happy. :) The ending was seriously, peak hysterics, and the fact that both of them had the same crush AND their Moms are both realtors, made it even better. Also, can we just talk about how fantastic the artwork in this is? It truly made you turn pages, just to see the panel of a comic! I'm assuming Jerry Craft did that, so kudos to you, the end result is awesome 👌. And we can't forget to mention Uncle Jerry! LOL. If you're younger than me and have heard of either of these authors, I would 100% recommend this. We need a sequel! P:S: I also really liked how the personalities of the characters in the book mirrored how the two authors likely act in real life, if it even is.
○♡ SUMMARY ♡○
J has always been known as the best artist and storyteller in the entire 5th grade; he's always thinking of these crazy ideas for stories! But when he sees the talent of the new kid, K, a very reserved writer; start to come out, J gets a bit worried. Their school's annual storytelling contest is on the horizon, and J and K both don't know how to come up with a story good enough to outdo not only each other, but their entire school. No 5th grader has ever won in the history of this contest, so the pressure is on. Will the two remain as rivals, or will Just artistic talent and K's use of words combine to make a truly unforgettable story? Read it and find out!!
○♡ OPINIONS ♡○
Like I said, I've been a fan of Jerry Craft for multiple years now, so when I saw this in the children's room of my library, I was very intrigued. An incredibly hysterical, light, timeless book to read if you're busy with homework and just need to relax at night, like me personally. Did this exceed my expectations? Yes, I LOVED every part of it!! Their rivalry at the beginning was interesting to read, and once both of them realized they really had to join forces to make this story come together, I got so happy. :) The ending was seriously, peak hysterics, and the fact that both of them had the same crush AND their Moms are both realtors, made it even better. Also, can we just talk about how fantastic the artwork in this is? It truly made you turn pages, just to see the panel of a comic! I'm assuming Jerry Craft did that, so kudos to you, the end result is awesome 👌. And we can't forget to mention Uncle Jerry! LOL. If you're younger than me and have heard of either of these authors, I would 100% recommend this. We need a sequel! P:S: I also really liked how the personalities of the characters in the book mirrored how the two authors likely act in real life, if it even is.
March 4, 2025
J vs. K, Jerry Kraft and Kwame Alexander
Two talented men, well-known for their art work and written word, teamed up to write an adorable book about two friends in fifth grade. One is an author, “K”, and the other is an artist, “J”. The boys don’t get along at first, since each one resents the other’s talent, fearing that one would be considered more talented than the other. Then, instead of competing with each other in a contest that was never won by a fifth grader before, they, J and K, decide to team up to compete in the school competition to see if there is strength in numbers.
They discovered that there was more power in their combined effort and friendship. Working together, not against each other, they felt empowered and unstoppable. The story about the boys and how their relationship grows is delightful. It is light and easy to read. It embraces the themes of healthy competition, good sportsmanship, friendship, adjusting to and accepting differences with grace, knowing your own strong points and not resenting the strong points of others, and also the importance of learning about new ideas. J and K are great examples for other friends who might squabble on occasion but soon will learn that there is more about themselves that is the same than different.
The book very wisely teaches the reader about fellowship, how to get along with others, how to be polite, how a family and friends treat and respect each other, how important it is to have an open mind and to learn something every day, and it teaches the very important lesson of research. If you don’t know something, look it up and you will know it next time. The family unit and work ethic is also stressed, even when each idea is treated in a different way by different groups. All healthy ideas have merit.
When I was young, decades ago, and taught young children in special service schools, I tried hard to teach children how to respect each other, their individual skills and their hopes and dreams. A book like this would really have helped get the message across in a wonderfully, palatable way.
Two talented men, well-known for their art work and written word, teamed up to write an adorable book about two friends in fifth grade. One is an author, “K”, and the other is an artist, “J”. The boys don’t get along at first, since each one resents the other’s talent, fearing that one would be considered more talented than the other. Then, instead of competing with each other in a contest that was never won by a fifth grader before, they, J and K, decide to team up to compete in the school competition to see if there is strength in numbers.
They discovered that there was more power in their combined effort and friendship. Working together, not against each other, they felt empowered and unstoppable. The story about the boys and how their relationship grows is delightful. It is light and easy to read. It embraces the themes of healthy competition, good sportsmanship, friendship, adjusting to and accepting differences with grace, knowing your own strong points and not resenting the strong points of others, and also the importance of learning about new ideas. J and K are great examples for other friends who might squabble on occasion but soon will learn that there is more about themselves that is the same than different.
The book very wisely teaches the reader about fellowship, how to get along with others, how to be polite, how a family and friends treat and respect each other, how important it is to have an open mind and to learn something every day, and it teaches the very important lesson of research. If you don’t know something, look it up and you will know it next time. The family unit and work ethic is also stressed, even when each idea is treated in a different way by different groups. All healthy ideas have merit.
When I was young, decades ago, and taught young children in special service schools, I tried hard to teach children how to respect each other, their individual skills and their hopes and dreams. A book like this would really have helped get the message across in a wonderfully, palatable way.
May 22, 2025
J vs. K is a fun, fast-paced read packed with laugh-out-loud moments, cool drawings, and tips on writing and art. The story centers on two talented fifth graders J, an exceptional artist, and K, a gifted writer who become rivals in their school's annual storytelling competition. Their rivalry leads to a series of comedic misadventures, including the exchange of dubious advice intended to sabotage each other's entries.
The black and white illustrations are simple yet expressive, complementing the narrative and enhancing the reading experience. While the plot may be light, the book's charm lies in its playful exploration of creativity, competition. It's an engaging read that encourages young readers to embrace their talents and would be perfect for those who love comics, jokes, and stories with heart.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft for sharing this book with me!
The black and white illustrations are simple yet expressive, complementing the narrative and enhancing the reading experience. While the plot may be light, the book's charm lies in its playful exploration of creativity, competition. It's an engaging read that encourages young readers to embrace their talents and would be perfect for those who love comics, jokes, and stories with heart.
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft for sharing this book with me!
May 24, 2025
Two award winning authors team up to deliver a fun, highly illustrated romp perfect for reluctant readers and graphic novel enthusiasts. J is the best artist in 5th grade and sure to win the annual “Contest," the most important event of the year. Until K, the new kid and uber talented writer moves in. And the shenanigans begin, each trying to outsmart and sabotage the other. The authors occasionally intrude into the story to make snide comments about each other, revise the story as they tell it, or tell kids to look up difficult words in the dictionary. A fun read-aloud and great way for teachers to use to teach writing and the value of cooperation. 5 stars
April 13, 2025
Real-life rivals collaborate in this MG illustrated novel.
✍🏾
J is the best artist at Dean Ashley Public School. He loved drawing his wordless stories and comics because he hates writing. Enter K—a new kid (ha, get it?!) who adores writing and wants to enter the annual creative storytelling contest alongside J. When they each find out the other is submitting The Contest, they become the greatest rivals since Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali!
📝
If you’ve ever had the privilege of seeing @kwamealexander & @jerrycraft together in person you would see how hilarious they are at the back and forth teasing and how much fun it is to watch them be “rivals”. This book perfectly encapsulates their unique and hysterical friendship. I’m so glad they wrote this #illustratednovel together. It has a mix of writing, illustrations, vocabulary, arguing in parentheses, change ups in the story to show the benefits of revision and many Author’s Notes throughout. It also shows how healthy rivalries can be, how to respect one another’s work and put in your best effort so at the end of the day you can be proud of your endeavor, win or lose. This title is distinctive to these two authors and will be such a hit when it releases May 6 from @littlebrownyoungreaders I could even see this being a series for many volumes to come!
✍🏾
J is the best artist at Dean Ashley Public School. He loved drawing his wordless stories and comics because he hates writing. Enter K—a new kid (ha, get it?!) who adores writing and wants to enter the annual creative storytelling contest alongside J. When they each find out the other is submitting The Contest, they become the greatest rivals since Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali!
📝
If you’ve ever had the privilege of seeing @kwamealexander & @jerrycraft together in person you would see how hilarious they are at the back and forth teasing and how much fun it is to watch them be “rivals”. This book perfectly encapsulates their unique and hysterical friendship. I’m so glad they wrote this #illustratednovel together. It has a mix of writing, illustrations, vocabulary, arguing in parentheses, change ups in the story to show the benefits of revision and many Author’s Notes throughout. It also shows how healthy rivalries can be, how to respect one another’s work and put in your best effort so at the end of the day you can be proud of your endeavor, win or lose. This title is distinctive to these two authors and will be such a hit when it releases May 6 from @littlebrownyoungreaders I could even see this being a series for many volumes to come!
July 29, 2025
J vs. K is a book written and illustrated by two amazing people - Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft. Alexander wrote the book and Craft illustrated it - they are K and J respectively.
I love the premise of this book and purchased it for my classroom. It is a graphic novel geared toward middle grades that tackles the importance of acknowledging what makes each person special and that you can compete with others, but at the end of the day, we each have our own talents and we can be competitive and admire what each brings to the table at the same time.
The story begins with a talent competition that 8th graders always win. J and K are two fifth graders in two different classes - one likes to draw, the other likes to write. They both decided to enter the contest individually but eventually see how they could combine their talents, work together and enter the contest (I won't share the outcome!). I appreciate that it was written with a young person's perspective in mind and there's room for growth via vocabulary (i.e. histrionic, effervescent, and discombobulated). This book was fun to read and would make an excellent addition to any child's or classroom's library.
I love the premise of this book and purchased it for my classroom. It is a graphic novel geared toward middle grades that tackles the importance of acknowledging what makes each person special and that you can compete with others, but at the end of the day, we each have our own talents and we can be competitive and admire what each brings to the table at the same time.
The story begins with a talent competition that 8th graders always win. J and K are two fifth graders in two different classes - one likes to draw, the other likes to write. They both decided to enter the contest individually but eventually see how they could combine their talents, work together and enter the contest (I won't share the outcome!). I appreciate that it was written with a young person's perspective in mind and there's room for growth via vocabulary (i.e. histrionic, effervescent, and discombobulated). This book was fun to read and would make an excellent addition to any child's or classroom's library.
October 6, 2025
This hybrid graphic novel (a' la Wimpy Kid) and prose chapter book was touted by a 6th grade reading teacher as that which can get kids reading something other than Diary of a Wimpy Kid. That's a bold claim, so I had to check it out for myself. It is indeed a delightful, unique collaboration between our beloved graphic novelist Jerry Craft and our equally cherished novel-in-verse sports book writer Kwame Alexander filled with dad-joke humor and real (fun) banter between two real life rivals writing about two fictional child versions of themselves who are also rivals. I really loved this in a fan-girl librarian kind of way, but neither I nor the 6th grade reading teacher has tried it out on our 6th graders yet. I can hardly wait to see what they think because if there's something that will get these boys to read something other than Wimpy Kid books over and over, that's something to celebrate. And I love these authors even more now! Never thought that was possible!
October 23, 2025
Fourth-grade boys, one an artist and one a writer, start as rivals and eventually decide to work together on a project.
The story is fine but a bit too verbose. I would have enjoyed more illustrations and less text.
The story is fine but a bit too verbose. I would have enjoyed more illustrations and less text.
April 24, 2025
I loved the banter between J and K along with the dad jokes and sidebars. And the story is perfect f budding writers and artists. Excellent story
July 13, 2025
What a hoot! Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft collaborate to write (and illustrate) a story about fifth graders J and K, based on themselves. K writes well, J draws well, they both enter the school’s writing contest. With loads of digs and competition between each other, which is humorous. The boys each try to sabotage each other and other students weigh in. Throughout the story, little asides are thrown out to the reader about looking up the meanings of words and how stories are written and illustrated. Dad jokes abound.
Read
July 20, 2025DNF 25%. I could not force myself back to it.
September 12, 2025
Fun kids book
Great story that takes you back to younger days. Reminds me of books like "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing'
Great story that takes you back to younger days. Reminds me of books like "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing'
December 11, 2025
Great for upper elementary!
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