New Kid by Jerry Craft.I was interested in this book because it deals with the story of a boy who wants to attend an art school, but has to attend a prestigious private middle school due to his parents' strong recommendation(?). I am currently living as an artist, but when I was in school, I could not go to the art college I wanted. It's my personal opinion, but even at this very moment, children who love drawing and have talent may be giving up their dreams and careers simply because they are good at studying, for economic reasons, future visions and etc. Although this story is a cartoon, it clearly shows reality. Unfortunately, many talented individuals may have to give up their artistic dreams due to various pressures and constraints, including economic factors and societal expectations. Pursuing a career in the arts can be challenging, and it often requires dedication, hard work, and persistence to overcome obstacles. The book also talks about racial and cultural prejudice. When students transfer to a new school or start a new semester, they all have a hard time adjusting to the unfamiliar environment. Especially in the United States, where students from many different backgrounds live, these problems go beyond discrimination and can be felt as personal pain and obstacles. This book depicts these personal difficulties well from various angles. And these differences extend beyond skin color to personal preference. The main character gets cold a lot. He cannot wear shorts and short sleeves like other children until he gets used to school life. This scene reminds me of the fresh shock I felt when I first came to the United States. I was surprised to see people walking around in short sleeves even in the middle of winter. Now that I've gotten used to it, I'm doing it too. In the US, people mostly travel by car, so if you wear a jacket or coat, it's annoying because you have to put it on and take it off. I have also become accustomed to it and can tolerate the brief temperature difference when opening the car door and wear it easily. But at the time, if I didn't know about this lifestyle, I probably looked like Jordan to Americans. And above all, in this book, you can see what it means for middle school children to go to school, and the various emotions they experience, such as conflict, difficulty, unfamiliarity, fear, and embarrassment, in comical writing. I often get indirect experiences through these fresh, beautiful paintings that I see from time to time. It also interestingly describes the cultural differences and what it means to live in a foreign country as a stranger. On Secret Santa Day, which is Christmas gift exchange day, the main character gives sweet potato cookies as a gift. His friend accepts it as potato chips, but asks if these are the yams that Africans eat. Even when it comes to food, they share different imaginations with each other. And other things happen due to food. This discrimination and prejudice also occurs during classroom instruction. This is seen as another form of consideration, but it is clearly a prejudice caused by people who do not understand the difference. For example, talking about Financial Aid to a black child. In the cartoon, this child's father is very rich. There are also many anecdotes that are easy to empathize with when it comes to parental involvement in school life. When watching a sports game, most of the other parents were on the phone or sitting with bored expressions on their faces, but Jordan's parents were cheering and excited. Jordan feels embarrassment of his parents who are different from other people. And many scenes reminded me of my childhood when I was good at drawing. When I was having difficulties in school, I was painting. If I were good at drawing, I would find children interested in my drawings over time, and I found that I could quickly become friends with them. Drawing is my best friend that makes and introduces me to good friends. But this book talks about overcoming. At the end, there is a scene where Jordan is chatting and having fun learning American gestures with his friends. I hope this message of hope also becomes a reality. Jordan struggles because of the sudden change in environment at an art school that is not the art school he wanted. Plus, there is racial prejudice and the economic gap makes them feel discouraged. It breaks my heart to see the part in this book where children who cannot go on vacation are called ‘vacation losers.’ The strange feelings, loneliness, and pain he feels are depicted very well in comics. Jordan tries to adapt as best he can. But social prejudice tramples individual efforts. In this reality, Jordan feels discouraged. But this book talks about overcoming. At the end, there is a scene where Jordan is chatting and having fun learning American gestures with his friends. I hope this message of hope also becomes a reality.
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