New Kid

Jordan’s grandfather, now living in Yonkers, visits him during Thanksgiving and takes him to a Chinese restaurant. Jordan tells him about school life, Liam, and Drew. Gran’pa asks whether Jordan hangs out with both friends at once and encourages him to do so by comparing it to enjoying three dishes of Chinese food at the same time. Jordan shows him a comic about his mom’s photography habits. A few days later, Jordan sets up an online game session with Liam and Drew together to good results.

Everyone except Jordan and Drew return from Thanksgiving break with exciting stories about ski resort getaways. The homeroom class participates in a Secret Santa activity where every student gives someone three gifts over three days without revealing who they are from. Drew makes a joke at Ms. Rawle’s expense about financial aid and tells Jordan that he will “give her what she wants” (127). Jordan gifts Ashley a sweet potato pie, but he must explain to her what it is. Meanwhile, Drew is upset with the stereotypical gifts he receives—basketball-shaped cookies, a KFC coupon, and a chocolate Santa—and suspects Andy is behind them. Before Drew confronts him, however, Ashley reveals she is his Secret Santa and has well-intended reasons for each gift.