Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Jerry Craft continues to deliver exactly what made New Kid a phenomenon: smart, funny, emotionally honest stories about kids navigating identity and belonging. School Trip takes the formula international without losing what makes these characters work.

The Paris setting isn't just window dressing—it's a genuine opportunity to explore what it feels like to be an outsider, even when you're with your friends. The cultural fish-out-of-water moments are handled with humor and grace, never condescending or preachy.

This is a graphic novel that respects its readers. It doesn't talk down, doesn't oversimplify, and doesn't pretend middle school is anything other than complicated. But it also doesn't wallow—there's genuine warmth and optimism here. At 4.8 stars on Amazon and continued praise from Common Sense Media, it's clear Craft hasn't lost his touch.

The only real caveat: start with New Kid if you haven't already. This series builds on itself, and you'll appreciate the character growth more if you've been there from the beginning.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 8-14, right in that sweet spot where kids are dealing with identity, friendship, and figuring out who they want to be. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for reluctant readers while the emotional intelligence keeps older middle schoolers engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Jerry Craft's third installment continues his warm, emotionally intelligent approach to middle school life. The Paris setting provides fresh ground for exploring friendship, cultural differences, and identity without resorting to melodrama. Characters speak frankly about their feelings and navigate social dynamics with authenticity. The graphic novel format keeps pacing brisk and engaging, never chaotic. Models cooperation and understanding across cultural boundaries.

Imaginative

82

Takes familiar characters into genuinely new territory—Paris offers rich visual storytelling opportunities that Craft exploits well in his full-color art. The fish-out-of-water premise invites readers to think about perspective and cultural exploration. However, this is more character-driven than wildly inventive; it's imaginative in execution and setting rather than concept. Still, for a middle-grade graphic novel, it delivers solid creative engagement.

Safe

95

Exceptionally safe. This is a middle-grade graphic novel from a Newbery-winning author with zero concerning content. No violence, no inappropriate themes, no surprises that would shock young readers. The most 'risky' elements are typical middle school social dynamics—friendship tensions, feeling left out—handled with care. Common Sense Media notes kids 'speak frankly about their feelings' but nothing suggests anything remotely problematic.

Enriching

86

Craft excels at weaving genuine life lessons into entertaining stories. This book tackles cultural exposure, language barriers, navigating unfamiliar situations, and the universal experience of feeling like an outsider—themes that resonate beyond the page. The Paris setting provides natural opportunities for discussing art, history, and cultural differences. As kids approach high school transitions, the characters' reflections on their futures add developmental relevance. Plus, it's genuinely entertaining—the 4.8 Amazon rating suggests readers are engaged, not just educated.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Jerry Craft won the Newbery for New Kid—this series knows how to balance real emotional stakes with genuine humor and heart
Paris setting provides natural entry point for conversations about cultural differences, language, art, and feeling like an outsider
Graphic novel format makes it accessible and quick to read while still delivering meaningful character development
Characters grapple with identity, friendship, and transitions in ways that feel authentic to the middle school experience
Diverse cast and inclusive storytelling without being heavy-handed about it

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What to Watch For

This is book three—kids will get more out of it if they've read New Kid and Class Act first (though it works standalone)
Some kids might feel the middle school social dynamics hit a little too close to home if they're navigating similar friendship tensions
It's a quick read, which is great for engagement but might leave voracious readers wanting more

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever been somewhere totally new where you didn't speak the language? How did it feel?"
"Jordan's an artist—what would you most want to see if you went to Paris?"
"The kids realize they're all feeling like 'the new kid' in France. When have you felt that way, even at home?"
"What's something about a different culture or place that you're curious about?"

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