This sequel to New Kid, following Jordan Banks into his second year of middle school at Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD), focuses in part on the differing experiences of Jordan and his friend Drew. Both boys are Black, but darker skinned Drew is treated differently at RAD, as revealed in scenes from his perspective throughout a graphic novel that again uses incisive humor to reveal unsettling truths. As the friendship between Jordan, Drew, and white Liam continues to develop, the wealth and privilege of Liam's family leaves Drew in particular feeling more and more uncomfortable, as it's a stark contrast to his own reality. The divide is underscored by the fact that Liam regularly invites Jordan and Drew to his house but doesn't think to visit them in their neighborhoods, a dynamic that is challenged and finally changes by story's end. The opening of each chapter references, in name and visual style, another well-known graphic novel, a clever, funny device that will delight graphic novel fans, though it may initially puzzle readers less familiar with the format. (Ages 9-13)

New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with a companion book to New Kid, winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize. This time, it’s Jordan’s friend Drew who takes center stage in another laugh-out-loud funny, powerful, and important story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school.

Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?

To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it's hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep the group together.

As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?

New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft's powerful Class Act.