Class Act by Jerry Craft

 This summer, I read New Kid by Jerry Craft and decided it was the book we were going to use for our whole school read aloud, which is just getting started now.  I know the kids are going to love it.  Once I finished New Kid, I learned that Craft was publishing a companion to the book and so I ordered it right away.  It came in last week, and I couldn't wait to read it.  

Class Act begins where New Kid ends. This year, the students are in grade 8 and are still navigating what it is like to be 13.  This story focuses more on Drew, one of Jordan's friends.  Drew lives with his grandma and is struggling to come to terms with the privilege, wealth and opportunities some of his friends at Riverdale Academy Day School have that he doesn't have.  One of his close friends Liam seems to have it all, and Drew isn't sure how to be friends with someone who experiences such a different life.  Jordan also struggles in this story by trying to keep his friends together, recognizing that their differences are what make them unique, but also that other people may label them based on things out of their control.  

Once again, Jerry Craft has written a book that is engaging, funny and causes the reader to consider things from a different perspective.  I have a feeling that I might need to order a few more copies of this book for the library because I know once the kids have finished New Kid, they are going to want to read this one!  

 

Me and Banksy by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

 This book was given to me by a teacher at school who likes reading similar books to me.  He thought I might like this one, and he was right!  

Me and Banksy is the story of Dominica and her friends in grade 8.  Dom and her friends go to a private school where the motto is "Security breeds success".  Security now comes in the form of cameras in the classrooms, hallways and all other places students interact.  This is concerning to some students, but for others, they don't care.  But when unflattering videos taken from these school computers start to appear in on classmates phones, people start to take notice.   Dominica is embarrassed by something circulating showing her in an unflattering light, but doesn't know what to do.  But she has been reading a book about Banksy, an anonymous graffiti artists, and it is through learning about Banksy that Dominica begins to fight back.  

This is a great story that deals with cyberbullying, security and the cost of constant surveillance.   It's an easy read that I can see kids enjoying.  

Swing by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

 I have bought several Kwame Alexander books (although it appears I've only read one other one) for the boys at school.  His sports books really appeal to boys who claim they don't like to read.  This book I bought last year for a few of the boys, and I brought it home over the summer to read.  I picked it up a few weeks ago, but haven't had a chance to finish my review of it until now.  

Swing is the story of two friends- Noah and Walt.  Walt is looking for fame through baseball, he is hoping that after three years of not making the varsity ball team, this will be the year he will.  Noah is hoping at some point he can work up the nerve to tell his friend Sam how he feels about her.  

I love the fact that Alexander writes his books in prose. There are times I have to convince the boys they will like it, and they always do.  This book has the added appeal of mixed media art as Noah tries to express his feelings towards Sam in a unique way.   This is a book I will certainly share with kids at school.  

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

 I've been waiting for Dear Justyce since the summer when I ordered it.  I was so happy when it came in this week, although it was hard not reading it right away!  Dear Justyce is the sequel to Dear Martin, a book I really loved reading.  

Dear Justyce is the story of Quan from Dear Martin, a boy much like Justyce, but without all of the advantages Justyce had.  Quan's story is the story of a boy who tries to do the right thing, but his home life, his dad's incarceration, and trouble at school led him along a different path than Justyce.  When Quan finds himself in jail facing charges of murder, he begins writing Justyce who is in his first year of prelaw at Yale. As Quan tells his story, from the day he met Justyce to witnessing his father's arrest to the abuse his mother faced in her relationship, we learn of all the disadvantages that led to Quan looking for connections and a sense of belonging.  

This story was so hard to read because while Dear Justyce is a fictional story, it isn't hard to imagine how similar it is to many youth today.  I never heard the term "school to prison pipeline" but this story painted a very real picture of the American juvenile justice system.  

I know there are many kids at school who will be waiting to borrow this book from me.