New Kid characters

Appears from the start

A seventh grader from Washington Heights who loves drawing cartoons and hopes to attend art school. His parents instead enroll him at the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School, where he is one of the few Black students. Observant and imaginative, Jordan records the awkwardness of moving between school and home in his sketchbook while trying not to stand out.

Appears from the start

Jordan's mother, who wants him to have opportunities beyond the neighborhood and believes Riverdale Academy will challenge him. She is determined that he give the school a fair chance even though he would rather study art.

Appears from the start

Jordan's father, who understands more of his son's unease about private school and encourages him to navigate the experience without losing sight of who he is. His humor and practical advice give Jordan a counterweight to the pressure he feels.

First appears in chapter 2

A friendly Riverdale student assigned to guide Jordan on his first day. Liam comes from a wealthy family and lives in circumstances very different from Jordan's, but he makes a sincere effort to welcome the new student.

First appears in chapter 3

A confident Black student at Riverdale who shares several of Jordan's experiences of being treated as an outsider. Athletic, capable, and quick to notice unfairness, he becomes an important friend to Jordan.

First appears in chapter 3

A loud, physically imposing Riverdale student whose teasing and aggressive behavior are often excused by the adults around him. He repeatedly provokes classmates, especially Drew, creating situations in which other students must decide whether to speak up.

First appears in chapter 3

One of Jordan's classmates, usually seen with a puppet on her hand. Her unusual habit makes her a target for assumptions, but she is more perceptive and self-possessed than many classmates initially recognize.

First appears in chapter 3

A teacher at Riverdale whose efforts to appear understanding are undermined by repeated assumptions about the school's Black students. She misnames Drew and interprets ordinary disagreements through stereotypes, making her classroom another place Jordan must carefully read the room.

First appears in chapter 4

Jordan's grandfather, a warm and candid adult who listens without dismissing Jordan's worries. He encourages Jordan to learn from the unfamiliar school while remaining grounded in his family and neighborhood.

First appears in chapter 4

A longtime neighborhood friend of Jordan's. Their easy familiarity represents the life Jordan already knows, while Jordan's new school experiences create worries about how his old friends will see him.