Class Act

 Craft, Jerry. Class Act. 2020. 249p. ISBN 978-0-06-288551-7. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Jordan Banks' plan has always been to join the High School of Music, Art and Mime, but in 7th grade his mother enrolled him at Riverdale Academy Day School. Dreaming to be an artist, his mother has instead redirected his energy to focus on academics. Drew also started RAD in 7th grade on a scholarship, and the two became best friends.

Now in 8th grade, the two of them reunite with their diverse group of friends. Drew is still plagued by his confrontation with Andy last year, and still has trouble accepting that most folks here can't even see the opportunities that the school offers them. Drew is very conscious of the divide between himself and his friend Liam, who is the third member of their trio. Liam lives outside of the city and has a chauffeur that drives him to school. Liam has a nice house, and nice things, but his father's always gone on business trips, his older sister hates everyone, and his mother is too busy with yoga and tennis to work.

As the three friends try to maneuver through their 8th grade year, they have to content with girls, jocks, prejudice, and one teacher determined to make the school as inclusive as possible, even if that means making Drew and Jordan uncomfortable. 

Beautifully illustrated with sharp social commentary, Class Act subtly drops us in the world of three teenagers who are trying to figure out who they are and what life is all about. Humorous but poignant at the same time, fans of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid will appreciate Jordan, Drew, Liam, and the rest of the book as they go about living their lives.