Fall 2021: Wild Readers Group 5 discussion

I read a graphic novel titled Class Act written by Jerry Craft who is a New York Times bestselling author. Right off the bat I do have to say I am not a comic book fan and this book unfortunately did not turn me into one. Although, I did find the story eye opening and would recommend peers to read it (it is a quick read), I did not find it as engaging as non-graphic novels are. I love reading books because as I read I embrace this picture in my head and I go through the story like a TV show in my mind. However, when the picture is in front of me it takes away that whole element and I completely lost interest. I found myself quickly reading the words, that did tell an important story, but I was not grasping the picture completely because it felt like a cheat sheet. The diction was extremely simple and instead of creating pictures in my head, I was looking at the drawings coming up with words in my head to explain the scenarios instead. This book will take you through the life of a African American boy who feels displaced at Riverdale Academy Day School. It sits on the outskirts of New York’s Bronx county, however, Drew the main character, does not feel at home there. Being one of the very few African American’s at the school he watches as the school tries, but mostly fails to bring diversity to the school atmosphere. Drew struggles through the book fitting in, but thankfully he has his best friend Jordan (my favorite character) to help him get through the school days.