*SIGNED BOOKPLATE

In this companion to New Kid, Jordan Banks’s friend, Drew, takes center stage. In the eighth grade now, Drew, Jordan, and Liam are best friends at a prestigious private school in New York City. As the school year gets under way, Drew is reminded of his grandmother’s saying “you have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” He does work hard, but he can’t ignore the fact that he still doesn’t get the same opportunities as his wealthy classmates. And what’s worse is that they don’t even realize how privileged they are. When Drew starts to suspect that Liam is one of these ungrateful kids, he doesn’t know what to do. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it’s hard not to withdraw. Will the two be able to bridge their class and racial gaps? Your young readers will be blown away by this powerful graphic novel as it addresses topics of racism, privilege, and friendship in humorous and poignant ways. Ages 8-12. 256pp.