New Boy
New Boy by Julian Houston, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2005, is a compelling narrative set in the late 1950s. This first edition, comprising 282 pages, follows fifteen-year-old Rob Garrett as he navigates the challenges of being the first student of color at a Connecticut boarding school. While seeking a better education away from the segregated South, Rob grapples with the complexities of privilege and isolation, all while a significant civil rights movement unfolds back home in Virginia.
Readers will find a rich exploration of social themes, including prejudice and racism, as Rob’s journey unfolds. The story delves into the contrasts between his new life and the activism brewing in his hometown, where friends are preparing to challenge segregation. Through Rob’s experiences, the book addresses the intersection of education, identity, and social justice, providing insight into the struggles faced by African American youth during this pivotal era in United States history.
Official synopsis Publisher
Fifteen-year-old Rob Garrett wants nothing more than to escape the segregated South and prove himself. But in late 1950s Virginia, opportunity doesn’t come easily to an African American. So Rob’s parents take the unusual step of enrolling their son in a Connecticut boarding school, where he will have the best education available. He will also be the first student of color in the school’s history. No matter–Rob Garrett is on his way.
But times are changing. While Rob is experiencing the privilege and isolation of private school, a movement is rising back home. Men and women are organizing, demanding an end to segregation, and in Rob’s hometown, his friends are on the verge of taking action. There is even talk about sitting in at a lunch counter that refuses to serve black people. How can Rob hope to make a difference when he’s a world away?
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