New Kid Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1
1. What superhero does the main character wish he was?
2. How old is the narrator?
3. Based on Jordan’s drawing, how does he feel about going back to
school?
4. Explain Jordan’s dad’s tips for shaking hands.
5. Why does Mashea, the woman from the neighborhood watch, think
Jordan is being arrested?
Chapter 2
6. Why does Jordan describe the first day of school as the zombie
apocalypse?
7. What is the acronym for Riverdale Academy Day school?
8. Why do you think Jordan is excited to see Maury?
9. Why do the other kids compare Maury to an oreo?
10. Predict: Which one of the new kids is Jordan going to become friends
with?
11. Who is Mr. Hunny Bunny?
Chapter 3
12. Depending on what grade you are in now, what table would you sit at
during lunch?
13. Why does Jordan dislike Andy?
14. Based on Jordan’s conversation with Liam during their ride home,
how did Jordan feel about his first day at RAD?
15. Why does Jordan want to go to art school?
Chapter 4
16. Why does Jordan have to change his attitude and appearance on
the bus at different stops along the way to school?
17. What is the difference between Liam’s dad and Jordan’s dad when it
comes to their jobs?
18. Why is it uncomfortable that the teacher called Drew Deandre?
19. Who is Jordan’s favorite teacher?
20. What is the image of Maury and Jordan in space on different planets
supposed to symbolize?
21. Why do you think the auditorium is named after Liam’s family?
Chapter 5
22. What sport is Jordan going to play?
23. What is the school’s mascot?
24. Did Jordan’s team win their first game?
Chapter 6
25. Who got a better grade on their Pre-Algebra Test? Drew or Andy?
26. Summarize Jordan and Drew’s conversation about what is bothering
them at their new school.
27. Explain the argument Drew has with his teacher.
28. What does Jordan’s mother mean when she says, “. . .In order to be
successful in corporate America, you have to know how to play the
game”?
29. Explain the disagreement between Jordan’s mother and father.
30. Why does Jordan dislike Alexandra?
31. Although Jordan dislikes Alexandra, Why do Drew and Jordan invite
Alexandra to go on a walk with them?
Chapter 7
32. According to Jordan’s grandfather, who are the three musketeers?
33. Explain how Jordan’s grandfather’s story about not having to
choose between three different Chinese food dishes is a metaphor
for his friendships with Liam and Drew.
34. Are the dishes at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner the same or
different than Jordan’s family’s? Explain how it is the same or
different.
Chapter 8
35. Why do you think Jordan and Drew aren’t interested in reading
books anymore?
36. According to Jordan’s drawing, what is the difference between
mainstream books and African American books?
37. Why is Drew upset about the gifts he received for Secret Santa?
38. Who does Drew think his Secret Santa is? Who is really Drew’s Secret
Santa?
Chapter 9
39. Explain the difference between Jordan and Kirk’s schools.
40. Why is Liam afraid of Jordan judging his home?
41. Why do you think Andy stopped hanging out with Liam when Liam’s
family got a bigger home than them?
42. Why do you think Jordan’s father is sad after dropping him off at
Liam’s?
43. What did Liam get Jordan for Christmas? Why didn’t Jordan tell his
father what Liam got him?
44. Why did Jordan’s father feel like he was losing his son?
45. Why is calling Jordan “Private School” on the court an insult?
Chapter 10
46. Why does Jordan wish he was Batman?
47. Why are there winners and losers during the holiday break?
48. Jordan loves art, but why does he dislike his Art class at school?
49. Jordan’s grandfather always says “Don’t comfort someone with a lie.”
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not?
50. Why does Alexandra always wear a puppet on her arm?
Chapter 11
51. What spring sport do Drew and Jordan end up playing?
52. Why did Headmaster Hansen ask Collin’s family to leave the school?
Chapter 12
53. Explain the conflict between Andy and Drew.
54. How does Andy and Drew’s argument end?
55. Why does everyone stand up for Drew?
56. What is Drew’s punishment?
Chapter 13
57. Who finds Jordan’s sketchbook?
58. What is a polemic?
59. What is Jordan thinking about as he is painting in Art class?
Chapter 14
60. How does Jordan help Alexandra by telling Ashley her secret?
61. What does Ms. Slate surprise Jordan with?
62. Why does Jordan laugh about the present he received from Drew?
63. “[Jordan’s] grandfather always says that friends are like training
wheels for a bike. They always keep you from falling down.” Can you
relate to this statement? Why or why not?
