January 24, 2020
Jerry Craft—a past CCS visiting artist—became the first cartoonist to win the Newbery Award from the American Library Association (ALA) with New Kid (Harper Collins). This incredible news recognizes the literary merits of graphic novels. The Newbery Medal (named for 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery) is awarded annually by ALA to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
New Kid is a powerful and important story and the Newbery Award is an incredible recognition for the medium. Congratulations to Jerry Craft.
—M. Ollie, CCS President
New Kid is about Jordan, a 12-year-old boy living in New York City and dreaming of art school. But his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school where he is one of the few students of color.
Tags: ALA, ALA Awards, Jerry Craft, New Kid, Newbery Medal, Visiting Artist
