They’re off to Paris! If you liked the first two graphic novels by Jerry Craft, you’ll want to pick up book three in this series, as the group is now headed to Paris to close out their last year in junior high. You can also read this book as a stand alone as the author does give the reader some details about the characters to help you feel connected.

I enjoyed the variety of characters that were included in this book and their different walks of life. This diversity made the book more interesting, and entertaining. In junior high, there are those students who settle into groups (or packs) and then, there were those students who walk alone. Nothing changes as excitement fills the air. The teens are looking forward to their end-of-the-year trip. The tension and division that the classmates felt during the school year felt significate and factual but that soon changes as they begin to realize what’s really important.

The supportive staff are excited about being the tour guides but at the last minute, their plans are upended. So much for having things all planned out. I thought this twist of events was excellent as it put the adults on the same playing field as the students. As each group arrives at their destination, the unfamiliarity and the excitement of the situation affects everyone. It’s like their senses have come alive to embrace what’s in front of them.

As they walked the streets of Paris, this alternative was the best option for them. They saw Paris for what it was. From the bathrooms to how friendly everyone was, they realize many things about themselves and life. No longer was Paris just a city in a movie or a picture in a book, they were actually experiencing Paris with their own eyes! I liked how the characters started to change. Their own observations on how their trip went at the end of their trip was a great way to wrap up this experience. This wasn’t just an educational trip for the students. This trip didn’t go according to plan, yet everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time. I feel that everyone left their better person, even the supportive staff.

Another great graphic novel by Jerry Craft which touches on a variety of issues that teens encounter. 4.5 stars I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for my copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest opinion #SchoolTrip

“In France, we work in order to live. But in America, it seems you live in order to work.”

Jordan and friends are going on a trip to Paris! He is very excited, but at the last minute, the field trip chaperones get accidentally switched. As they all navigate an unfamiliar culture, language, and country, they realize that problems that plague them at home are actually global in nature.

Book 3 in Craft's "New Kid" series is just as good as the first two. This series is never on the shelves in my elementary library and there is a very long hold list for all three titles. I recommend this series as a staple in an elementary and middle school library.

More great lessons were learned in this graphic novel. The topics were not too difficult for my middle school students to discuss. And they're in Paris! School trip was a fantastic read!

This series is HANDSDOWN the best graphic novels out there. I couldn't keep them on the shelves in my classroom. I love how Jerry Craft creates characters that middle grades students can relate too. He shows real issues and how to solve them. This series is a must read!

This book is just as good as the rest of the series! Loved to see our fave characters in a new setting. Love how engaging the characters and settings are for kids!

I loved New Kid and my students loved it too, so I was excited to read School Trip. It is always nice to have a book for middle grades about travel. I feel the younger generations seem to lose the urge to see the world, since the views of the world are so readily available in their phones. As always with Jerry Craft themes and lessons were prevalient throughout and I loved the representation of the librarian. It will go over well with students, but the messages about artists not doing well in life were a bit old fashioned. The social media artists of today can make really good money selling their art. I would buy for the classroom, because kids would read it and need to see themselves as the hero no matter what they look like.

As a middle school teacher of color who absolutely loved Jerry Craft's previous book, "New Kid," I was eagerly anticipating the release of his new book, "School Trip." Craft's ability to create well-developed characters and tackle important themes in a relatable and engaging way had me stoked for this new installment. And I must say, "School Trip" did not disappoint!

What I loved most about "School Trip" is how Craft seamlessly weaves together humor, warmth, and real character growth. The graphic novel format allows for a quick and immersive reading experience, and Craft's expressive artwork brings the story to life. The inclusion of black and white graphics for Jordan's life lessons adds depth and reflection to the narrative.

Moreover, Craft tackles important themes of racism and micro-aggressions, showcasing the impact of these issues on Jordan and his friends. The book explores inequalities and misconceptions in a thought-provoking way, highlighting the need for empathy, understanding, and growth. Craft's commitment to positive representation of African American children is evident throughout the story, making it an empowering and inspiring read for young readers.

This series is such a hit in my classroom! Jerry Craft provides mirrors for students with similar experiences and windows for students with different ones. A great opportunity for discussion with kids.

This was the first book by Craft that I enjoyed and I have since gone back and read all the related titles (New Kid series). I loved the story and feel that so many patrons will relate to the struggles in the book of the various characters. A great job capturing actual kids' voices and narratives.

I love this series and this entry didn't disappoint. A good readalike with Dan Santat's recent award winning book about his middle school foreign travel.

This is a super fun addition to the series. It was fun to see how all the characters react in an unfamiliar environment. Cool to see Jordan be an artist inspired by Paris.

My kids love this author/this series, and this addition doesn't disappoint.

ARC via NetGalley, but the opinions are my own.

This is a long overdue review of another fantastic Jerry Craft title. I love how current this book is- kids need to know about book banning. Also, kids love a travel book, and with this being the sequel to New Kid, I'll probably add it to our graphic novel line up next school year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for allowing me the Arc of School Trip!
We bought this for several libraries in our school district! The writing and characters are a huge hit with the kids!!
Thank you Jerry Craft for the great graphic novel!!

My students LOVE Jerry Craft's book, and this one will not be an exception. I couldn't believe I had the opportunity to read it before them! This series is wonderful! Craft writes/illustrates in a way that pulls his readers in and makes them feel like they are friends with the main character. He feels so real and just like another kid in your school. I put it on my purchase list right away for my middle school's library. :)

I'm so glad that this series exists. It's funny, meaningful and extremely well-written. It's a joy to follow all of our characters as they grow up.

I loved this story in graphic novel format about this group of school kids who take a trip to Europe together. We learn real truths about how each student is treated and I loved the message as much as I loved New Kid.

I really respect Jerry Craft and what he has done for literature.

What I liked about this book: Kids being kids! I loved seeing them go on a field trip and navigate friendships. It also felt really cool to see each distinct personality. I loved the conversation around microaggressions and getting to know some of the other side characters.

What I didn't love as much: I felt that the style of this book what really different than some of the earlier books. It was hard to get invested and I personally felt a little let down by this installment. However, I am not the target demographic for this book, and I'm sure that kids will find value in reading this.

Can Jerry Craft do wrong? I don't think so as his latest work is just as fun filled and thoughtful as his previous books. As always, they are a must have for our library, and the children cannot get enough.

This series is easily one of my favorites, but I LOVED tackling book banning in this. And the last three pages having the names of all the Raina T books? I LOVED.

But I also loved it because it tackles racial bias, bullying, how hard it is to see people differently when our opinions are so egregiously cemented, how ignorance is often taught from any early age, and how open communication is extremely important. Stand up for yourself and stand up for those around you.