New Kid Audiobook by Jerry Craft

Summary

What happens when your passion for drawing superheroes collides with the pressure to fit in at a prestigious school where you’re one of the few kids who looks like you? Jordan Banks is about to find out, and his journey through the halls of Riverdale Academy Day School will have young listeners recognizing their own struggles with identity, belonging, and staying true to themselves in a world that constantly asks them to be someone else.

Audiobook Info

• Author: Jerry Craft
• Narrator: Dan Bittner, Guy Lockard, Jesus Del Orden, Marc Thompson, Nile Bullock, Peyton Lusk, Phoebe Strole, Rebecca Soler, Robin Miles
• Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes
• Publisher: Penguin Audio
• Release Date: January 8, 2019
• Series: New Kid
• Book: 1

Review

The star-studded ensemble cast of nine narrators transforms this Newbery Medal-winning story into a full theatrical experience for your ears. Each voice actor brings distinct personality to Craft’s memorable characters, from Jordan’s internal monologue filled with artistic daydreams to the diverse cast of classmates, teachers, and family members who populate his world. Guy Lockard anchors the performance with an expressive delivery that captures both the humor and heart at the story’s core, while the supporting cast creates a rich soundscape that mirrors the graphic novel’s visual diversity.

What makes New Kid particularly special is Jerry Craft’s authentic portrayal of the microaggressions and cultural misunderstandings that many children of color experience in predominantly white spaces. Jordan isn’t just dealing with typical middle school drama – he’s constantly being mistaken for the other Black kid in his class, fielding ignorant questions about his hair, and watching his white classmates make assumptions about where he lives and what his family is like. Craft handles these heavy themes with a light touch, using humor and Jordan’s artistic imagination to process difficult moments without ever becoming preachy.

The audiobook format presents an interesting challenge for a story originally told through graphic novel panels, but the production team rises to the occasion brilliantly. Jordan’s comic strip fantasies – where he imagines himself as a superhero or transforms awkward social situations into cartoon scenarios – come alive through the narrators’ animated performances and subtle audio cues. Young listeners will easily visualize the scenes, and the pacing keeps the story moving at a clip that holds attention without rushing through the emotional beats.

Parents and educators will appreciate how the story opens doors for conversations about race, class, and identity without ever talking down to its audience. Jordan’s struggles feel universal even as they’re specific to his experience – every kid knows what it’s like to feel caught between worlds, whether that’s home versus school, old friends versus new, or who you are versus who others expect you to be. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, avoiding stereotypes to present a nuanced picture of middle school social dynamics.

This audiobook is perfect for listeners ages 8-14, but adults will find themselves charmed by Jordan’s wit and moved by his journey. Families looking for meaningful content to share during car rides or bedtime listening will find New Kid sparks genuine conversations about belonging, friendship, and the courage it takes to be yourself.

Download & Listen

Experience Jordan Banks’ award-winning journey through the halls of Riverdale Academy Day School by downloading New Kid from KTAudiobooks.com today. This Newbery Medal winner delivers nearly six hours of laughter, heart, and important conversations wrapped in an unforgettable performance – the perfect addition to any young listener’s audiobook collection.