New Kid

Two weeks into the school year, Jordan rides the public bus and adjusts his appearance and activities depending on the neighborhood it drives through. He wears his hooded jacket throughout the day. In homeroom, Jordan and Drew feel the eyes of the class on them when Mrs. Rawle discusses financial aid assistance, and Mrs. Rawle addresses Drew by the name of Deandre, a previous student who she calls “a real handful” (60). Jordan himself deals with students who mistake him for other Black students; even Mr. Garner, a Black professor, faces this problem. After Mr. Roche’s science class, Jordan speaks to Maury, but they find that they have little in common as Jordan mistakes squash, Maury’s favorite sport, for the food. At lunch, Jordan deals with blustery wind, bullies, and Ashley Martin, the school gossip.

For fall sports, Jordan becomes the captain of the school’s lowest-ranked soccer team. This is not a great honor, however, as he obtains the role without much competition, and Jordan learns the rules from a budget video game. Mr. Roche, the team’s coach, encourages fun and sportsmanship but becomes awkward and self-correcting when addressing Jordan. Cold and nervous, Jordan calls upon the superhero Batman as he enters the field.