Discussion Group - Session 1 - Tuesday April 28th

 About the Book :

Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? 

 Discussion Questions Session #1 - Through Chapter 3 p. 51

1. What settings does the book take place in?  Are these settings like any around your area?  Community?

2. What kind of character is Jordan?  What are some of the traits you would associate with him?  Are any of these traits like ones you possess or can you relate to them?

3. Jordan’s mom puts pressure on him not only to attend Riverdale Academy but also to enjoy it. Drawing helps Jordan cope with the pressure from home and the feelings of loneliness at school. What activities do you do to make yourself feel better when you’re stressed or not feeling like yourself? 

4. When Jordan returns home on the first day of school his friend Kirk is waiting for him, but things between the two of them get uncomfortable when Kirk sees Liam; why do you think that happens? Later, Jordan tells his dad it was “kinda weird” (p. 50). What do you think Jordan is really feeling?