Summary

In Chapter 1, Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old Black boy, is enrolled by his parents to attend the prestigious Riverdale Academy Day School. Jordan would rather attend an art school. Ellice, Jordan’s mother, thinks he needs to attend a school like Riverdale because he is so intelligent. Jordan’s father, Chuck, worries the school does not feature enough diversity.

Jordan is picked up by Liam Landers and his father for his first day of school. Liam has been assigned as Jordan’s guide. Since Jordan lives in a mostly Black neighborhood, Liam’s father advises Liam to lock the doors when he steps out to knock on Jordan’s door. Liam ignores Jordan when he gets into the car. Jordan slumps in the seat to keep his Black friends from seeing him in the rich White man’s car.

In Chapter 2, Jordan learns that...