Some of the teachers are still mired in micro-aggressions and foolishness, and some are so anxious about being offensive that they become easy prey for the teasing of Samira, who wears a hijab with aplomb. Their white friend Liam has a chauffeur, maid, indoor swimming pool, and a messed up family. Jordan and Drew, working class and middle class Black boys, both come from loving homes. I love the way Craft balances friendship issues and social issues, sometimes dumping them upside down. Roche's general cluelessness, culminating in the school sending teachers to the National Organization of Cultural Liaisons Understanding Equality. Wonderful Easter eggs aside, the story is full of humor It made me guffaw a few times, from one kid wryly commenting, 'That's why I only fist bump him,' when the friends realize Jordan's crushing handshakes are a family tradition, to the constant witty nicknames Jordan and Drew call each other, to Mr.

Then I went back and saw who all of them were! The chapter headings are wonderful homages to different graphic novels, and there is a terrific scene where a table full of Black students are introduced-'Angie, Nic, Jason, Renée Kwame.' I didn't catch it at first, until I noticed Kwame's shaved head and realized he was modeled on the author. Characters are expressively drawn and clearly delineated. I will still continue with the series but I do hope that the plot and pacing get better. Art also felt different and not good different. There are also so many other characters that aren't really used well in the story. Like I said before, I don't think Drew was the best lead as he's way too judgy. Jordan, Drew and Liam stay the main friends in most of this book but their friendship also seemed too weak. It started off slow and going in one direction but then as if the author couldn't decide what to do from there just zigzags and never gets anywhere with the point or the plot. Whilst this tackles serious and everyday issues, this lacked plot and focus. This series focuses on racism, prejudice and how kids of diverse cultures struggle with belonging. Much like the first novel, this starts off really slow but where the New Kid actually picked up pace from the middle, this lacked pace and plot throughout.Ĭlass Act focuses mostly on Drew, Jordan's friend and I have to say Drew wasn't the best lead. I liked the first novel but this was not as good. Class Act is the second graphic novel in the New Kid series.

This was our pact graphic novel