New Kid Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
3.8 out of 5, (16 ratings on Open Library)
New Kid has 18 chapters · 256 pages
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life.
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Inside the journal: 18 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, what do Jordan's drawings and thoughts show about what he wants for himself, and how is that different from what his parents want?See all 18 questions ↓
About the book
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
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New Kid questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 18 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, what do Jordan's drawings and thoughts show about what he wants for himself, and how is that different from what his parents want?
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Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, Jordan visits Riverdale Academy Day School for the first time. What details make the school feel exciting, uncomfortable, or different from his old life?
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, Jordan has to learn new routines and meet new people on his first day. Which moment do you think is the hardest for him, and why?
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Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, Jordan begins noticing how people at school make assumptions about him. What is one assumption someone makes, and how does it affect Jordan?
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, Jordan travels between his neighborhood and his new school. How does the trip show that he is moving between two different worlds?
Example answer: I think the trip shows that Jordan has two very different parts of his life. In his neighborhood, things feel familiar, and he knows the people and places around him. At his new school, he has to act more careful and figure out rules that other kids already know. It makes me understand why he feels tired and nervous sometimes.
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, compare Jordan's first friendships at RAD. What does he seem to have in common with Liam, Drew, or another student, and what still feels awkward?
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Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, Jordan often uses humor and drawing to explain his feelings. How do his sketchbook pages help you understand him better than regular words alone?
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Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, some students and adults at RAD treat Drew and Jordan unfairly or mix them up. Why is this hurtful, even if the person says it was an accident?
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Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, Jordan learns more about Liam's life outside school. How does visiting or seeing Liam's world change the way Jordan understands him?
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Chapter 10
In Chapter 10, Alexandra is teased or judged by others because she seems different. What does this chapter suggest about being yourself, even when other people do not understand you?
Example answer: This chapter suggests that being yourself can be hard, but it is still important. Alexandra seems strange to some kids, but she is also brave because she does not completely hide who she is. I think the author wants us to notice that everyone has reasons for acting the way they do. Instead of judging someone quickly, we should try to understand them.
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Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, Jordan thinks about fitting in at school and fitting in at home. What choices does he make to belong, and do you think those choices help him?
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Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, the story shows small conflicts building between friends and classmates. What problem do you predict will become bigger later, and what clues make you think so?
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Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, Jordan sees that money and privilege affect students in different ways. How do those differences change the way characters treat each other?
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Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, Drew and Liam do not always understand each other's experiences. What do they need to learn about each other in order to become better friends?
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Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, choose one word that describes Jordan at this point in the story, such as brave, confused, careful, or hopeful. What evidence from the chapter supports your word?
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Chapter 16
In Chapter 16, Jordan faces a moment when staying quiet would be easier than speaking up. What do you think he should do, and why?
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Chapter 17
In Chapter 17, a conflict at school forces characters to show who they really are. How do Jordan's actions show courage or growth?
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Chapter 18
In Chapter 18, how has Jordan changed from the beginning of the book to the end? What lesson do you think the author wants readers to remember?
Example answer: At the beginning, Jordan is nervous and feels like he does not belong at his new school. By the end, he is more confident and willing to speak up when something is unfair. He also understands his friends better and does not see everything as simply one world or the other. I think the lesson is to be yourself and to stand up for what is right.
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How to use this New Kid reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 18 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for New Kid. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.