Episode 23: Creativity, and Finding Your Voice with author and illustrator Jerry Craft

Reading in The Middle

On today’s episode of Reading in the Middle, Newbery Medalist and Coretta Scott King Award winner Jerry Craft joins me for a lively conversation about creativity, competition, and the power of storytelling.

Jerry shares the behind-the-scenes story of his new book J vs. K, a dynamic collaboration with fellow Newbery winner Kwame Alexander. This fast-paced illustrated novel follows two fifth graders—one who writes, one who draws—as they battle it out in a school-wide storytelling contest. (J vs. K hits shelves May 6, 2025!)

We also talk about:

• How Jerry’s New Kid trilogy (New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip) broke barriers in children's literature

• What it was like seeing New Kid head to the big screen, produced by LeBron James

• Using comics and humor to tackle significant issues like identity, belonging, and friendship

• Advice for young creators who are finding their voice through words or art

• A rapid-fire round where Jerry reveals the one thing he refuses to eat in the school cafeteria!

Whether you're team words, team drawings, or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with inspiration, laughter, and a reminder that the best stories aren't just about winning—they’re about how you tell them.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen—and don't forget to pre-order J vs. K!

Show Notes:
📚 Books Mentioned:

• New Kid by Jerry Craft

• Class Act by Jerry Craft

• School Trip by Jerry Craft

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

• J vs. K by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander (Release date: May 6, 2025)

🎬 Coming Soon:

• New Kid movie adaptation produced by LeBron James and directed by Prentice Penny

✨ Follow Jerry Craft:
Website: jerrycraft.com
Instagram: @jerrycraft
Twitter/X: @jerrycraft

✨ Follow Reading in the Middle for more:
Instagram: @reading_in_the_middle