New Kid

Being different means sometimes feeling lost or alone in a group, sensing the unfriendly stares of others, and even feeling abnormal compared to everyone else. Some may live in a fog of self-doubt and be too blind to see how great you actually are. However, someday you’ll know that along the path, you’re embraced by the love of your parents, friends, or maybe someone unfamiliar.

“This is how I feel every single day of my life, like I’m falling without a parachute.” Seventh Grader Jordan Banks was enrolled in a prestigious private school where he became one of the few students of color. Adjusting life was tough for Jordan at first. For instance, he had to avoid himself from being misunderstood by someone aggressive. Moreover, he had to face the feeling of discomfort which became obvious when getting along with some white kids and even teachers. Soon, he found himself torn between two worlds. One is the world where he used to be with his neighborhood friends, and the other is the world where he was getting used to his new school.

Facial expressions and body language reveal the direct thoughts of every person. It may be unintentional, but sometimes even just a glimpse could still be harmful. Both teachers and students got confused with black students, calling them wrong names. When topics like slavery or financial aid came up, Jordan could feel eyes staring at him. Apparently, the stereotypes of African Americans distance people from understanding them. It made it hard for Jordan to adapt to being the new kid. Awkwardness occurred while staying with Liam, Jordan’s guide who is white, but then they encountered an old friend in his neighborhood. Jordan didn’t know how to interact with two of them at the same time. Late before, he even hid himself so that his old friends wouldn't see him staying with Liam.

Things always get better when we assume the worst. Drew, a black student as well, started a conversation with Jordan. They shared their inner feelings and became good friends. Jordan realized a metaphor his grandpa left and successfully connected Liam with Drew. They were of different races. It was clever that Jordan’s grandpa left a clue instead of just telling him what he should do. It allowed Jordan to mature the thoughts of himself and be able to think deeply. Serious incident also happened when Drew had an argument with Andy, a white kid who was rude and made fun of the black ones. Andy slipped and fell, yet Drew was accused of causing the accident by Andy. Ms. Rawle blamed Drew at first, but Jordan with all the witnesses stood out and told the truth. True friends play important roles in our lives, and they make us stronger and braver.

Living with a sense of inferiority and fear shapes us into a coward. Jordan couldn’t really fit in either with his neighborhood friends or his new school. He lacked confidence in himself and his friends. But after some sports games and activities, he gained a sense of achievement, letting him discover his true value. It was the joint effort by Jordan, his beloved parents, trustworthy friends, and the courage to confront the injustice that improved him to become a better person. On the other hand, the new school Jordan went to had a lack of diversity, and most people were still prejudiced against students of color. Discrimination blocks the opportunities of knowing each other well, so most people just chose to stay away from them. It seemed like there were boundaries between different races that separated people apart. Although they weren’t easy to break, I believe there would be more and more people like Jordan willing to cross those invisible lines.

New Kid is a graphic novel definitely related to everyone. Being afraid of new surroundings, worried about meeting strangers, or surprised at something unexpected, all kinds of circumstances we’ve been through are all illustrated in this book. Through the life of Jordan, I saw myself. Teenagers are easily annoyed by things about dreams, future, friendship or more. As long as we overcome those inevitable challenges, it is undoubted that we’re on the right track to success.