New Kid by Jerry Craft

Vocabulary and key terms from the initial chapters of the graphic novel 'New Kid', focusing on Jordan Banks' transition to a new school.

Jordan Banks

The protagonist, a twelve-year-old seventh grader who loves drawing cartoons and is a new student at Riverdale Academy Day School.

Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD)

A prestigious private school known for its high academics, which Jordan's parents enroll him in instead of the art school of his dreams.

Metaphor

A figure of speech Jordan learned in English, which he uses to describe his feeling of falling without a parachute.

The Harkness Method

One of the specialized academic features offered at Riverdale Academy Day School.

Crew

A sport involving rowing that is offered as an activity at Riverdale Academy Day School.

Dead Fish

A term used by Jordan's father to describe a weak, limp handshake that one should always avoid.

Washington Heights

The neighborhood where Jordan lives in an apartment and travels from daily to reach his new school.

Oreo

A derogatory term used by students to describe Maury, meaning "Black on the outside, white on the inside."

First Form

The grade level at Riverdale Academy Day School that corresponds to seventh grade.

The Dude Pyramid

Jordan's drawing that serves as a guide to the cafeteria hierarchy at his new school.

Lions

The nickname in the Dude Pyramid for senior athletes who sit in the cool corner with windows.

Rhinos

The nickname in the Dude Pyramid for the 'Upper-Class Black Table' in the cafeteria.

Toenail Fungus

The nickname in the Dude Pyramid for seventh and eighth graders who sit in front of the drafty doorway next to the trash cans.

General Tso's

The type of Chinese food Jordan's father shares with him as they discuss his first day of school.