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New Kid #3
School Trip
New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft is back with the newest adventures of Jordan, Drew, Liam, and all the characters that fans first met in New Kid, winner of the Newbery Award and the Coretta Scott King Author Award! In this full-color contemporary graphic novel, the gang from Riverdale Academy Day is heading to Paris, for an international education like you've never seen before ...
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can't wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights.
But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected--and hilarious--turn. Especially when trying to find their way around a foreign city ends up being almost as tricky as navigating the same friendships, fears, and differences that they struggle with at home.
Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the "new kid"?
Don't miss the two hilarious and powerful companion novels by Jerry Craft, New Kid and Class Act!
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can't wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights.
But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected--and hilarious--turn. Especially when trying to find their way around a foreign city ends up being almost as tricky as navigating the same friendships, fears, and differences that they struggle with at home.
Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the "new kid"?
Don't miss the two hilarious and powerful companion novels by Jerry Craft, New Kid and Class Act!
247 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2023
251 people are currently reading
4481 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Craft
33 books902 followersJERRY CRAFT is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid and Class Act. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 629 reviews
April 22, 2023
Jerry Craft continues to make a lot of great points about racism and microaggressions with his junior high characters, but this meandering class trip to Paris is overstuffed with too many characters taking too many digressions at too slow a pace. A middle school graphic novel usually take me thirty or sixty minutes to read, but School Trip took me a full two hours, making me wonder how many kids will actually get through the whole thing.
My main goal for reading this book was seeing the awful teacher, Timothy Roche, get some sort of comeuppance for his racist behavior in the first two books. But suddenly, that behavior disappears with no demonstration of his self-awareness of the problem or signs of personal growth regarding it. So when he finally reaps his bad karma, it's just for being a stupid person in general instead of following through on the previous storyline.
The full weight of coming to terms with past bad behavior instead falls on Andy Peterson, a racist classmate who bullies through teasing and bad jokes. His telling off is much deserved and closer to what I wanted to see for Roche. Unfortunately, the power of this arc is diluted by all the other stuff going on around it, making me wish it had been the center of the graphic novel instead a B-storyline in a book with storylines going most of the way down the alphabet.
As an often negative reviewer, I also have to take umbrage with the whole "thumbs-downer" concept Craft promotes throughout the book, from dedication to closing pages. I get wanting to push back against negativity, especially with all the real-life consequences Craft has felt with his books being challenged in schools and libraries, but the idea seems half-baked at best. It starts out as, if you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything, but then gets muddled as a character employs the thumbs down in the end to express disapproval of bad behavior. So thumbs down is bad when used against things Craft likes, but good when used against things Craft doesn't like? That sounds less like a philosophy than how everyone on social media already behaves. Getting a thumbs down sucks, but stifling their use or choosing who gets to use them goes against the very freedom of expression Craft otherwise seems to promote.
Still, despite my negativity, Craft and I probably agree on more things than not, and I do appreciate what he is trying to accomplish with this series even if this entry left me bored and frustrated.
My main goal for reading this book was seeing the awful teacher, Timothy Roche, get some sort of comeuppance for his racist behavior in the first two books. But suddenly, that behavior disappears with no demonstration of his self-awareness of the problem or signs of personal growth regarding it. So when he finally reaps his bad karma, it's just for being a stupid person in general instead of following through on the previous storyline.
The full weight of coming to terms with past bad behavior instead falls on Andy Peterson, a racist classmate who bullies through teasing and bad jokes. His telling off is much deserved and closer to what I wanted to see for Roche. Unfortunately, the power of this arc is diluted by all the other stuff going on around it, making me wish it had been the center of the graphic novel instead a B-storyline in a book with storylines going most of the way down the alphabet.
As an often negative reviewer, I also have to take umbrage with the whole "thumbs-downer" concept Craft promotes throughout the book, from dedication to closing pages. I get wanting to push back against negativity, especially with all the real-life consequences Craft has felt with his books being challenged in schools and libraries, but the idea seems half-baked at best. It starts out as, if you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything, but then gets muddled as a character employs the thumbs down in the end to express disapproval of bad behavior. So thumbs down is bad when used against things Craft likes, but good when used against things Craft doesn't like? That sounds less like a philosophy than how everyone on social media already behaves. Getting a thumbs down sucks, but stifling their use or choosing who gets to use them goes against the very freedom of expression Craft otherwise seems to promote.
Still, despite my negativity, Craft and I probably agree on more things than not, and I do appreciate what he is trying to accomplish with this series even if this entry left me bored and frustrated.
March 10, 2023
While I enjoyed this iteration in the New Kid graphic novel series, it wasn't my favorite. I feel like there were aspects of the book that were very disjointed and were just included to make a point and not b/c it was actually part of the story.
May 29, 2023
5 Stars
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and when I found out that it was being released in my birthday month. You couldn’t have found a happier person than me that day. Happy to say that this graphic novel was worth the wait. Everything was handled beautifully! It’s realistic yet handled those uncomfortable real talks beautifully. Sadly they were realistic in the fact that no matter how many times you tell someone a lesson/fact that they just won’t fully hear/understand it. Small improvements may happen but they may never be who we need them to be. It’s sad but true. The Andy character was definitely needed to showcase this fact (even though he’s still pretty unbearable). Hopefully time (and therapy someone has to make this happen) will help make him more tolerable.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and when I found out that it was being released in my birthday month. You couldn’t have found a happier person than me that day. Happy to say that this graphic novel was worth the wait. Everything was handled beautifully! It’s realistic yet handled those uncomfortable real talks beautifully. Sadly they were realistic in the fact that no matter how many times you tell someone a lesson/fact that they just won’t fully hear/understand it. Small improvements may happen but they may never be who we need them to be. It’s sad but true. The Andy character was definitely needed to showcase this fact (even though he’s still pretty unbearable). Hopefully time (and therapy someone has to make this happen) will help make him more tolerable.
April 12, 2023
I love these books. So much heart and wisdom in this one.
January 12, 2023
Our middle school aged son previously read and loved New Kid and Class Act and so he was super excited to check this one out. These books are a perfect balance of being totally engaging and readable, while also speaking to so many important and relatable topics they encounter (or hear about) in their daily lives.
Craft doesn't gloss over so many tough issues, and I love that this book sparks conversation, amidst the readers peers, teachers and parents. Our kids are growing up in a world so different from our own, but I love that they don't ever have to walk alone. Books like this that take a nuanced look at racism, prejudices, microaggressions, relationships, worries and fears promote conversation and understanding, and help raise even better humans.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for my gifted review copy.
Craft doesn't gloss over so many tough issues, and I love that this book sparks conversation, amidst the readers peers, teachers and parents. Our kids are growing up in a world so different from our own, but I love that they don't ever have to walk alone. Books like this that take a nuanced look at racism, prejudices, microaggressions, relationships, worries and fears promote conversation and understanding, and help raise even better humans.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for my gifted review copy.
March 9, 2024
A satisfying new installment in the New Kid series from funny, talented, charming Jerry Craft! I appreciated how this volume started to complicate some of the students who had been left a bit one-dimensional in previous books. Several people stood up to and called out a bully; new friendships were built; and Jordan Banks left Paris even more inspired than ever to follow his dreams of becoming an artist. This series has a lot of jokes, but also a lot of heart!
January 30, 2023
When I saw the third installment of the New Kid series by Jerry Craft, I was PUMPED. I loved both New Kid and Class Act and have had many wonderful discussion with students about these books. For some reason, though, School Trip just didn't hit the same. Don't get me wrong, every message of inclusion, equity, acceptance, and moment of kids standing up for themselves was well-written and accurate. The messages matter, especially in today's climate. But, the other two books balanced fun with a lesson. This one felt more...intense. I wonder how my students are going to react to it.
I loved seeing kids of color on a trip through Paris. I loved characters owning their individuality, and some standing up for themselves for the first time. The art is beyond fantastic, again. I didn't love that the teachers were represented as idiots, not gonna lie. I also read the first two installments in one sitting. This one took me a while to push through. Maybe it was the intensity between characters?
I'm just very unsure of how I felt about this graphic novel. I'm going to have to sit with it for a while. Will it be on my shelves? Absolutely.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I loved seeing kids of color on a trip through Paris. I loved characters owning their individuality, and some standing up for themselves for the first time. The art is beyond fantastic, again. I didn't love that the teachers were represented as idiots, not gonna lie. I also read the first two installments in one sitting. This one took me a while to push through. Maybe it was the intensity between characters?
I'm just very unsure of how I felt about this graphic novel. I'm going to have to sit with it for a while. Will it be on my shelves? Absolutely.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2024
They FINALLY say some of the things to Andy I have wanted them to say all along! Also, I loved the contrast between the US and France.
February 18, 2023
NetGalley ARC.
More great lessons learned. And in Paris to boot! This was a great graphic novel series for kids and adults alike of any skin color or gender.
More great lessons learned. And in Paris to boot! This was a great graphic novel series for kids and adults alike of any skin color or gender.
May 5, 2023
I enjoyed this one almost as much as the other two books. This story has Jordan and his friends going on a trip to Paris, while Jordan mulls over whether he will go to the art school next year or stay at the school with his friends. As in the other books, the author takes on the topics of friendship, racism, and learning about a different culture. The drawings are just as wonderful, but although I enjoy the comic strips that Jordan inserts into the story, there were more of them in this one and they sometimes took me out of what was happening with Jordan and his friends. But that is a minor quibble.
In this one, due to some shenanigans, the chaperones for the different trips for the school have been shuffled around and none of them are ready for the trip they're chaperoning. So while the kids are ready, the chaperones are less than ready and less than thrilled. It's partly thanks to Maury that they end up having a decent trip because of his unlimited funds and his knowledge of the place.
I like how Craft takes on the conversations about what racism looks like in a way that kids would actually do. With Andy not being anyone's favorite, you discover that part of his horrendous behavior is that he is completely clueless about why what he says and does is not cool. While it shouldn't be up to those who are the targets to educate the bullies, sometimes that's what needs to happen, but more importantly, those who are bystanders who observe this should speak up. I appreciate Craft taking this on and he does so very well.
What I found to be less compelling in this one is that it resorted to somewhat more juvenile humor, and as I said before, his inserted comics seemed to take us out of the moment so that at times I felt like the story was wandering. I talked to one of my students who has read the first two books and he agreed--he said this was okay, but he liked the other ones better. Still, it's a worthy addition to the series and I hope the author continues with it.
In this one, due to some shenanigans, the chaperones for the different trips for the school have been shuffled around and none of them are ready for the trip they're chaperoning. So while the kids are ready, the chaperones are less than ready and less than thrilled. It's partly thanks to Maury that they end up having a decent trip because of his unlimited funds and his knowledge of the place.
I like how Craft takes on the conversations about what racism looks like in a way that kids would actually do. With Andy not being anyone's favorite, you discover that part of his horrendous behavior is that he is completely clueless about why what he says and does is not cool. While it shouldn't be up to those who are the targets to educate the bullies, sometimes that's what needs to happen, but more importantly, those who are bystanders who observe this should speak up. I appreciate Craft taking this on and he does so very well.
What I found to be less compelling in this one is that it resorted to somewhat more juvenile humor, and as I said before, his inserted comics seemed to take us out of the moment so that at times I felt like the story was wandering. I talked to one of my students who has read the first two books and he agreed--he said this was okay, but he liked the other ones better. Still, it's a worthy addition to the series and I hope the author continues with it.
September 14, 2025
Review to follow.
April 23, 2023
I sort of wish I'd read the author's note at the end of the book before I read the book. The author's note made me feel better about it and would have given me a different frame of mind going into it. I honestly found this book hard to read... it was trying to do so so so much. I get what it was trying to do, and I admire what it was trying to do, but, man! It was a lot. I like the kids in this book, but I don't know how realistic they are. And, I know they are in a private school, but are there middle schools that actually take trips to Paris and Alaska and Yellowstone? I have to fundraise for our field trips, and the mere thought of fundraising to go to Paris makes me want to crawl in a hole and die. The part I liked best is how the kids found the words to say the hard things to each other. Like I said, I don't know how realistic it is that things would happen like that, but maybe seeing characters able to have those hard conversations in books would make it easier for kids to do the same thing in real life.
May 8, 2023
Jordan is entering his last year of school at Riverday Academy Day School. He and his friends are excited to be going on the annual class trip with their group going to Paris. The school bully, Andy is supposed to be part of their group. When a series of misfortunate events occurs, including the teacher's cards not working, Jordan, his friends, and even Andy become closer and learn more about themselves, friendships, and navigating differences.
I love Jerry Craft's artwork. The story if magnificent and shows the capacity that we all have to grow and in improve.
I love Jerry Craft's artwork. The story if magnificent and shows the capacity that we all have to grow and in improve.
January 22, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Jordan is still attending Riverdale Academy School, but has just gotten accepted to art school. He's thinking he will accept, but his mother doesn't think it's a good idea. Meanwhile, the RAD class trips are getting ready to depart. Some students are going to Alaska, some to the South, and Jordan and his friends are heading to Paris with the French teacher. Due to some destructive hijinks my frequent misbehavers, the chaperone list and travel documents are messed up, and on the day of the trip it turns out that Jordan's group will be traveling with two different teachers, Mr. Roche and Mr. Garner. Along with his best friend at school, Drew, Ramon, Liam, Maury, Alex, Ashley, and Samira will be on the trip. Unfortunately, so will Andy. Things go fairly smoothly, and the group gets to Paris okay, but there are some snags once they get there. The school credit card is declined, so Maury (whose family is very wealthy) picks up the tab. The group can't take the hop-on-hop-off buses, so walk instead. They experience a lot of different food, see the sights, and learn some life lessons along the way. Andy, who can't seem to interact appropriately with anyone who is not white, is brought to task for his negative ways, his inappropriate and unfunny jokes, and his general treatment of anyone who is different from him. Jordan is glad that he is able to travel, but realizes that there aren't a lot of portrayals of BIPOC students traveling, and wishes he could have seen this reflected in the media. When the group returns to school, they are glad that Andy has apologized to Ramon, whom he treated especially badly, and that their librarian has gotten a grant for more inclusive titles that aren't centered around trauma, as well as for more graphic novels.
Strengths: For some reasons, there seem to be fewer graphic novels with boys as the main characters, so it's good to see more books in this series. I like to be able to have a balanced collection in many respects; unlike Miss Brickner, the RAD librarian, I've been trying since before 2014 to have a more diverse book collection! I'm always a fan of books where kids travel, and this is a great trip to Paris without even leaving my armchair. The interpersonal problems are woven deftly into a fun story, so the action is never slowed down. The life lessons that Jordan examines in his comic book style chapters are important ones, but delivered with a light touch. This book will be popular with my students.
Weaknesses: There are a lot of self-referential comments, especially about books being banned and the liklihood of artists being successful, that I'm not sure my students will get. In fifty years, they will be fascinating to scholars of middle grade lit, certainly. I felt like there were a lot of inside jokes I wasn't quite getting.
What I really think: Both New Kid and Class Act circulate well in my library, so I will definitely be purchasing, especially since one of our language arts classes studies New Kid as a class novel, and demand for the sequels is always strong when a book is studied.
Jordan is still attending Riverdale Academy School, but has just gotten accepted to art school. He's thinking he will accept, but his mother doesn't think it's a good idea. Meanwhile, the RAD class trips are getting ready to depart. Some students are going to Alaska, some to the South, and Jordan and his friends are heading to Paris with the French teacher. Due to some destructive hijinks my frequent misbehavers, the chaperone list and travel documents are messed up, and on the day of the trip it turns out that Jordan's group will be traveling with two different teachers, Mr. Roche and Mr. Garner. Along with his best friend at school, Drew, Ramon, Liam, Maury, Alex, Ashley, and Samira will be on the trip. Unfortunately, so will Andy. Things go fairly smoothly, and the group gets to Paris okay, but there are some snags once they get there. The school credit card is declined, so Maury (whose family is very wealthy) picks up the tab. The group can't take the hop-on-hop-off buses, so walk instead. They experience a lot of different food, see the sights, and learn some life lessons along the way. Andy, who can't seem to interact appropriately with anyone who is not white, is brought to task for his negative ways, his inappropriate and unfunny jokes, and his general treatment of anyone who is different from him. Jordan is glad that he is able to travel, but realizes that there aren't a lot of portrayals of BIPOC students traveling, and wishes he could have seen this reflected in the media. When the group returns to school, they are glad that Andy has apologized to Ramon, whom he treated especially badly, and that their librarian has gotten a grant for more inclusive titles that aren't centered around trauma, as well as for more graphic novels.
Strengths: For some reasons, there seem to be fewer graphic novels with boys as the main characters, so it's good to see more books in this series. I like to be able to have a balanced collection in many respects; unlike Miss Brickner, the RAD librarian, I've been trying since before 2014 to have a more diverse book collection! I'm always a fan of books where kids travel, and this is a great trip to Paris without even leaving my armchair. The interpersonal problems are woven deftly into a fun story, so the action is never slowed down. The life lessons that Jordan examines in his comic book style chapters are important ones, but delivered with a light touch. This book will be popular with my students.
Weaknesses: There are a lot of self-referential comments, especially about books being banned and the liklihood of artists being successful, that I'm not sure my students will get. In fifty years, they will be fascinating to scholars of middle grade lit, certainly. I felt like there were a lot of inside jokes I wasn't quite getting.
What I really think: Both New Kid and Class Act circulate well in my library, so I will definitely be purchasing, especially since one of our language arts classes studies New Kid as a class novel, and demand for the sequels is always strong when a book is studied.
November 4, 2022
“Don’t be a thumbs-downer.” — @jerrycraft
🇫🇷
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury and more are back and this time they’re headed to Paris for a school trip they’ll never forget. Before they leave, though, Jordan finds out he’s been accepted to art school. Is he ready to make that jump and risk being the new kid again or should he stay at Riverdale Academy Day school where his best friends are? This decision doesn’t come easy, especially when Jordan is so thrilled with the sights, sounds and artwork in France. Unfortunately their chaperones get switched at the last minute and they don’t get the art teacher they thought they would have. Many of the problems they had back home follow them on their trip and all the characters learn about themselves and who they want to be during their time abroad.
🖼️
Craft can do no wrong in my eyes. Just when I think a graphic novel can’t get better than New Kid, Class Act comes along. Can lightning strike three times though? Yes, it absolutely can. Craft has an amazing gift of talking about big issues in a way kids can understand and relate to them. He hits so many great topics here from bullying to microaggressions to book banning to racism to classism to diversity to learning about other cultures—I could go on and on. Needless to say: this MG book will be just as popular as its predecessors and I can’t wait for April 4 to get it into students’ hands. Also: can we make it a requirement every adult read this? It’s a 5⭐️ read for me.
CW: racism, microaggressions, bullying, absentee parent
🇫🇷
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury and more are back and this time they’re headed to Paris for a school trip they’ll never forget. Before they leave, though, Jordan finds out he’s been accepted to art school. Is he ready to make that jump and risk being the new kid again or should he stay at Riverdale Academy Day school where his best friends are? This decision doesn’t come easy, especially when Jordan is so thrilled with the sights, sounds and artwork in France. Unfortunately their chaperones get switched at the last minute and they don’t get the art teacher they thought they would have. Many of the problems they had back home follow them on their trip and all the characters learn about themselves and who they want to be during their time abroad.
🖼️
Craft can do no wrong in my eyes. Just when I think a graphic novel can’t get better than New Kid, Class Act comes along. Can lightning strike three times though? Yes, it absolutely can. Craft has an amazing gift of talking about big issues in a way kids can understand and relate to them. He hits so many great topics here from bullying to microaggressions to book banning to racism to classism to diversity to learning about other cultures—I could go on and on. Needless to say: this MG book will be just as popular as its predecessors and I can’t wait for April 4 to get it into students’ hands. Also: can we make it a requirement every adult read this? It’s a 5⭐️ read for me.
CW: racism, microaggressions, bullying, absentee parent
January 17, 2023
My very first NetGalley review!
This novel is a must-read for all middle schoolers and even higher middle grade students. I think Jerry Craft does a fantastic job writing and visualizing what is relevant to teenagers in our current climate. As a teacher in a performing arts middle school, this novel touches on the acceptance to Riverside Academy Day School, or RAD, with Jordan wanting to get into an arts school. He's consistently begging his parents to allow him to apply, while also navigating a new school. Now that he's in 8th grade, this book takes Jordan and his friends on a school trip to Paris, but also on a trip that navigates their friendships and what it really means to be friends. Jordan and Drew specifically navigate some racial discrimination and aren't afraid to call out their peers in a respectful way (which is courageous, since they're on the receiving end of the discrimination). This isn't easy for teens to do and Jerry Craft does a phenomenal job about teaching through experience and showing kids they are powerful. I especially love Craft's juxtaposition of lessons through Jordan's experiences as the chapter openers - as a teacher, I could use those as standalone lessons for my students! I though New Kid was a great book, but this third novel is by far the best one yet.
#schooltrip #netgalley
This novel is a must-read for all middle schoolers and even higher middle grade students. I think Jerry Craft does a fantastic job writing and visualizing what is relevant to teenagers in our current climate. As a teacher in a performing arts middle school, this novel touches on the acceptance to Riverside Academy Day School, or RAD, with Jordan wanting to get into an arts school. He's consistently begging his parents to allow him to apply, while also navigating a new school. Now that he's in 8th grade, this book takes Jordan and his friends on a school trip to Paris, but also on a trip that navigates their friendships and what it really means to be friends. Jordan and Drew specifically navigate some racial discrimination and aren't afraid to call out their peers in a respectful way (which is courageous, since they're on the receiving end of the discrimination). This isn't easy for teens to do and Jerry Craft does a phenomenal job about teaching through experience and showing kids they are powerful. I especially love Craft's juxtaposition of lessons through Jordan's experiences as the chapter openers - as a teacher, I could use those as standalone lessons for my students! I though New Kid was a great book, but this third novel is by far the best one yet.
#schooltrip #netgalley
June 1, 2023
Jordan, Drew, Liam, and the entire RAD crew are back and taking flight to Paris. Exploring a new country as a class community is an experience of a lifetime.
Full of self discovery, relationship building, and good middle school fun, this third installment of the New Kid series is Jerry Craft at his best both as an artist and an author.
Eye-popping illustrations, magnetic characters, and brilliant writing create a reading experience full of humor, love, and connection. Additionally, Craft’s ability to capture this moment in time where books are being banned and open dialogue about identity and belonging is to be encouraged is nothing short of brilliant.
I love how this third book in the series leaves a world of possibilities open for the RAD students, yet has a satisfying end. I sure hope we all get to indulge in a fourth book!
Full of self discovery, relationship building, and good middle school fun, this third installment of the New Kid series is Jerry Craft at his best both as an artist and an author.
Eye-popping illustrations, magnetic characters, and brilliant writing create a reading experience full of humor, love, and connection. Additionally, Craft’s ability to capture this moment in time where books are being banned and open dialogue about identity and belonging is to be encouraged is nothing short of brilliant.
I love how this third book in the series leaves a world of possibilities open for the RAD students, yet has a satisfying end. I sure hope we all get to indulge in a fourth book!
June 10, 2023
It had promise but I was ultimately disappointed. Too many things going on and IT WAS TOO PREACHY. The kids spoke like adults in most parts and the issues were handled in non-realistic ways. The best part of the whole thing was the premise of a school trip to Paris but it was poorly executed. Nothing was developed to any extent and the characters were too many to keep track of. I will not purchase for my MS library.
August 27, 2023
Finally got a chance to read this book and as always Jerry never disappoints. This book was full of adventure, lesson making moments, and lots more. Its a very good book just like the first two New Kid books. This series is an all time favorite of mine and proves once again that Jerry never disappoints the people that read his books.
January 6, 2024
All the kids go a big trip....the main characters travel to Paris. It was really a a wild trip.
July 14, 2024
Knowing that I was going to hear Jerry Craft speak at a children’s book conference, I thought I ought to read the third book of the New Kid graphic novel series. I loved the first two, so that wasn’t a hard decision.
I ended up starting the book before Craft’s speech and finishing it the following day. I loved the insights his speech gave me into why certain plot points were included in the book.
School Trip was a fun way to wrap up Jordan’s story! I look forward to seeing him on the big screen in the forthcoming film adaptation.
Alison’s Summer Reading 2024 14/33 #BFYR2024
I ended up starting the book before Craft’s speech and finishing it the following day. I loved the insights his speech gave me into why certain plot points were included in the book.
School Trip was a fun way to wrap up Jordan’s story! I look forward to seeing him on the big screen in the forthcoming film adaptation.
Alison’s Summer Reading 2024 14/33 #BFYR2024
January 30, 2023
SCHOOL TRIP – by Jerry Craft
SCHOOL TRIP is the first Middle-Grade Graphic Novel that I have read by Jerry Craft. I can’t wait to read the two novels that precede this one, NEW KID and CLASS ACT, and BLACK BOY JOY: Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood, an Anthology of short stories written by seventeen Black male and non-binary authors, which includes a short by Craft.
The lead character in SCHOOL TRIP is thirteen-year-old Jordan Banks, who, along with his friends Drew, Liam, Maury, and classmates, are about to finish Middle School at Riverdale Academy, and attend High School, when Jordon receives a much-anticipated letter in the mail—an approval or rejection letter from the High School of Music, Art, and Mime he applied to.
As an aspiring artist, Jordan wants more than anything to be accepted into the school, but he also realizes he would not only be the new kid in school all over again, he would miss his friends at Riverdale.
Did Jordan get accepted into the Academy?
Nope, no spoilers! ;)
The next day at school makes for an exciting distraction, along with trepidation when the kid's School Trips are posted on the bulletin board. Jordan and his friends: Drew, Maury, Liam, Girl Alex, and Samira, are all going on the school trip to Paris, unfortunately, along with the school bully, Andy, and the seemingly oblivious Ashely. (Ugh!)
Jordan is nervous about flying to a place where he doesn’t speak the language but can’t wait to go to Parish and see the museums with his favorite teacher Ms. Slate as one of the trip's chaperones, that is until a last-minute snafu has the faculty guides going to unexpected destinations, which makes for some educational, funny, and downright interesting journeys.
As the story unfolds, Jordan and his group try to navigate their way around the streets of Paris whilst seeing new sites and breaking down and truly understanding the commonalities and differences between various cultures within their group and setting, which aids in some much-needed self-discovery and awareness by stories end.
I don’t want to venture down spoilerville lane, but it broke my heart at the end regarding Jordan’s Mom’s comment as if it could never be possible, and I won’t say what the ‘it’ I’m referring to is; you have to read the book and find out.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quill Tree Books (HarperCollinsPublishers), for providing me with an eARC of SCHOOL TRIP at the request of an honest review.
Highly Recommend!
Scheduled For Release On: April 4, 2023 (subject to change)
Reading Age: 8 – 12
SCHOOL TRIP is the first Middle-Grade Graphic Novel that I have read by Jerry Craft. I can’t wait to read the two novels that precede this one, NEW KID and CLASS ACT, and BLACK BOY JOY: Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood, an Anthology of short stories written by seventeen Black male and non-binary authors, which includes a short by Craft.
The lead character in SCHOOL TRIP is thirteen-year-old Jordan Banks, who, along with his friends Drew, Liam, Maury, and classmates, are about to finish Middle School at Riverdale Academy, and attend High School, when Jordon receives a much-anticipated letter in the mail—an approval or rejection letter from the High School of Music, Art, and Mime he applied to.
As an aspiring artist, Jordan wants more than anything to be accepted into the school, but he also realizes he would not only be the new kid in school all over again, he would miss his friends at Riverdale.
Did Jordan get accepted into the Academy?
Nope, no spoilers! ;)
The next day at school makes for an exciting distraction, along with trepidation when the kid's School Trips are posted on the bulletin board. Jordan and his friends: Drew, Maury, Liam, Girl Alex, and Samira, are all going on the school trip to Paris, unfortunately, along with the school bully, Andy, and the seemingly oblivious Ashely. (Ugh!)
Jordan is nervous about flying to a place where he doesn’t speak the language but can’t wait to go to Parish and see the museums with his favorite teacher Ms. Slate as one of the trip's chaperones, that is until a last-minute snafu has the faculty guides going to unexpected destinations, which makes for some educational, funny, and downright interesting journeys.
As the story unfolds, Jordan and his group try to navigate their way around the streets of Paris whilst seeing new sites and breaking down and truly understanding the commonalities and differences between various cultures within their group and setting, which aids in some much-needed self-discovery and awareness by stories end.
I don’t want to venture down spoilerville lane, but it broke my heart at the end regarding Jordan’s Mom’s comment as if it could never be possible, and I won’t say what the ‘it’ I’m referring to is; you have to read the book and find out.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quill Tree Books (HarperCollinsPublishers), for providing me with an eARC of SCHOOL TRIP at the request of an honest review.
Highly Recommend!
Scheduled For Release On: April 4, 2023 (subject to change)
Reading Age: 8 – 12
April 9, 2023
I was so excited to get this book and then when I found the audiobook I was even more excited [as I had loved the audio for the first two]. Unfortunately, the audio absolutely did NOT work for me this time around and about halfway through, I stopped using it and just read read the book and WHOOSH what a difference that made for me and took this from a book I was not enjoying [surprisingly, since I really loved the first two] to one I absolutely loved [which made me breath a sigh of relief - I could not see how I could love the first two and not this one...]; I am so glad I chose to dump the audiobook.
Jordan and company are headed off to their assorted class trips [something I would have LOVED as a kid/teen] and due to some deeply troubling shenanigans, everything that was supposed to be is all messed up and they have to try and figure everything out before AND while on their trip. Jordan, Drew and Liam all get to go France together [along with other, and unfortunately, ANDY. I will never like that kid. Ugh] and it is interesting to see how little these kids knew about a foreign country and how much they adapted and loved it once they were there. Lessons are learned and people grow and become closer friends and it was such a good read. Jordan is a great kid, and I love his friendships and how they all work together to try and make their world a better place.
I highly recommend these books - they are AWESOME. Well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jerry Craft, and HarperCollins Children's Books/Quill Tree Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jordan and company are headed off to their assorted class trips [something I would have LOVED as a kid/teen] and due to some deeply troubling shenanigans, everything that was supposed to be is all messed up and they have to try and figure everything out before AND while on their trip. Jordan, Drew and Liam all get to go France together [along with other, and unfortunately, ANDY. I will never like that kid. Ugh] and it is interesting to see how little these kids knew about a foreign country and how much they adapted and loved it once they were there. Lessons are learned and people grow and become closer friends and it was such a good read. Jordan is a great kid, and I love his friendships and how they all work together to try and make their world a better place.
I highly recommend these books - they are AWESOME. Well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jerry Craft, and HarperCollins Children's Books/Quill Tree Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2023
School Trip is Jerry Craft’s latest graphic novel that follows his original characters from New Kid. Jordan and his friends are looking forward to their class trip to Paris as they celebrate the end of junior high. However, things don’t go as expected from the very beginning. Not only is Jordan’s art teacher moved to chaperone a different trip at the last minute, he finds out that ANDY will be part of the Paris trip. Jordan and his friends are forced to confront choice and challenges both familiar and new.
I enjoyed the return of familiar characters in this addition to the New Kid series. Jordan is once again the primary character we follow, but we get additional insights into some of the other characters too. I appreciated the ways the characters handled their conflicts with each other. One aspect of this book that was particularly noteworthy was the art. Craft did an excellent job of embedding both subtle and not-so-subtle details to add humor and support the text. I also loved that Craft mentioned book banning multiple times since it is such a prominent issue in the United States right now (and it’s obvious that certain types of books are being targeted).
This book will make a great addition to middle school collections. I would also add it to my high school collection as many of the issues the characters face as relevant to older readers as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the opportunity to review an eARC of this title.
I enjoyed the return of familiar characters in this addition to the New Kid series. Jordan is once again the primary character we follow, but we get additional insights into some of the other characters too. I appreciated the ways the characters handled their conflicts with each other. One aspect of this book that was particularly noteworthy was the art. Craft did an excellent job of embedding both subtle and not-so-subtle details to add humor and support the text. I also loved that Craft mentioned book banning multiple times since it is such a prominent issue in the United States right now (and it’s obvious that certain types of books are being targeted).
This book will make a great addition to middle school collections. I would also add it to my high school collection as many of the issues the characters face as relevant to older readers as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the opportunity to review an eARC of this title.
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
A fun third installment in this series that focuses on a class trip to Paris where lots of things go wrong. As always in Craft's graphic novels, there are some fantastic observations about race, class, and privilege, and Craft also manages to make points about book banning in this one. The trip itself is chaotic, and one of the students has to learn some hard lessons about why his racist and downright aggressive behaviors are not okay. Kids who loved the first two books will surely enjoy this new adventure with characters they've already grown to love.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
A fun third installment in this series that focuses on a class trip to Paris where lots of things go wrong. As always in Craft's graphic novels, there are some fantastic observations about race, class, and privilege, and Craft also manages to make points about book banning in this one. The trip itself is chaotic, and one of the students has to learn some hard lessons about why his racist and downright aggressive behaviors are not okay. Kids who loved the first two books will surely enjoy this new adventure with characters they've already grown to love.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
December 8, 2022
The Riverdale Academy Day School kids are back in this third installment of Jerry Craft's "New Kid" series. In "School Trip," Jordan, Liam, Maury, and Drew attend a school trip to Paris. With several mix-ups along the way, the kids explore a new city. The challenges they face allows them to learn from one another and do some self-reflecting. While some may find the Paris trip unrelatable for the average middle-schooler, this is part of a larger point Craft is making. He makes several references throughout the book about wanting more stories where kids like Jordan and Drew travel abroad/go further than the neighborhood boundaries. "School Trip" is a solid addition to this series.
May 8, 2023
While I have loved Jerry Craft's other graphic novels (New Kid being my favorite), I was very disappointed when I got to the end of this book. It was too chaotic. Too many characters. Too much bouncing around. Too many different storylines and subplots. Additionally, because it has been a while since I have read the others, I could not remember the storylines where everyone STARTED.
April 29, 2023
I loved New Kid and Class Act, but this one fell flat for me. The story was really choppy and disjointed. There were lots of great points made that I feel kids should reflect on and discuss, but it didn't come together for me.
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May 8, 2023
Fantastic!!! Just as good, if not even better???, than the others in the series!
April 26, 2023
3.5 stars!
I liked the art and characters more in this book, but I felt like it focused on things I didn't want to read about. I really wanted to see more about Liam and his family, or Drew and his Grandma, or Jordan and art school, but instead, the book focused on Andy! It was frustrating considering I was waiting to see more backstories on Liam and Mr. Roche especially. I wish we could've seen some characters get a happy ending other than the C-list side characters. I still liked the book though! I was very happy to see the author talk about banned books!
I liked the art and characters more in this book, but I felt like it focused on things I didn't want to read about. I really wanted to see more about Liam and his family, or Drew and his Grandma, or Jordan and art school, but instead, the book focused on Andy! It was frustrating considering I was waiting to see more backstories on Liam and Mr. Roche especially. I wish we could've seen some characters get a happy ending other than the C-list side characters. I still liked the book though! I was very happy to see the author talk about banned books!
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