School TripJerry CraftQuill Tree Books, 2023 In the third book of the New Kid series, School Trip takes the crew to Paris, France. As an educator and parent, I am thrilled that Jerry continues to weave humor, wit, love, and acceptance into an enjoyable narrative that takes full advantage of the comics medium. This newest book teaches us about the importance of truly seeing one another for our differences and similarities. That we are all unique in our shared humanity and deserve to be treated so. Jerry does not talk down to the reader and hits head on issues such as bullying, microaggressions, and othering people. However, these topics are handled in an accessible and empathetic way that can only help us to become better people. There is no hate or judgement here. No need to feel guilty. But this book will open vital conversations so that we are all accepted and freed from a prison of prejudice. This entire series is one that we need to be reading with our young people and I know, from personal experience, that they WANT to read these books. We laugh and learn by reading the work of Jerry Craft. We become better humans. I cannot think of a better compliment to give. I also love reading and rereading Jerry’s books as there is just so much to take in on the first few readings. One has to read deeply, both the prose and illustrations, to see all the easter eggs to authors, book titles, and current events that are embedded throughout the pages. Jerry gives us a love letter to the comics medium in his shout-outs to other popular artists, authors, and books! Jerry sums up his work best by saying, “All I have ever wanted to do was to make the books I wish I had when I was a kid. To show kids of color in new and positive ways.”