40 pages • 1 hour read
Jerry CraftSchool Trip
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
BetaChapters 4-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 4 Summary: “Airplane Etiquette: (ET-AH-KIT) The Customary Manner of Polite Behavior”
In a comic strip, Jordan offers some tips to make flying pleasant for everyone: not bringing strong-smelling food, using headphones to listen to music, and ensuring children behave. Back in reality, Jordan and his classmates are at the airport. Their flight has been delayed for two hours, and they’re growing bored. As boarding finally begins, first-class passengers are called. Maury steps into line but is confronted by a man who questions his eligibility for first class. Maury calmly explains that his dad never lets him fly coach. As Maury boards, a woman screams: “EXCUSE ME!” In another comic strip titled “That’s Not What I Mean! (Emphasis on the Word ‘Mean’),” Jordan points out that, despite using polite phrases, people may not always be genuinely kind. Jordan lists phrases like “excuse me,” “may I help you,” and “no offense, but” as examples that can change meaning depending on the context. Thirty minutes later, Jordan and his classmates finally board the plane, and Jordan fantasizes about being Batman on his way to a fundraiser in Paris.
Once in Paris, the group heads to the hotel and begins sorting out room assignments. Everyone hopes to avoid being paired with Andy. Drew worries that Ramon will end up with Andy, fearing it will ruin his trip as Andy often bullies him. In a kind gesture, Jordan volunteers to room with Andy. Mr. Garner praises him for his selflessness: “[Y]ou never want anyone to get hurt, do you, son?” (95). Meanwhile, Ashley, Alexandra, and Samira discover they’ll share a room. Ashley is thrilled, but Alexandra would rather have her own space.
The teachers hand out the euros that the families contributed for expenses. They explain that lunch, snacks, and souvenirs are the students’ responsibility, while transportation, breakfast, and dinner are covered. Andy mocks Ramon for having little money and Maury steps in, teasing Andy because he has much less money than him. Drew and Liam are impressed by Maury’s comeback to Andy’s teasing.
In their room, the girls sit in bed, with Ashley constantly checking her phone for a message from Ruby. Eventually, they fall asleep until 5:30 am when Ashley wakes up Alexandra, assuming she’s missing her family and friends. Alexandra reassures her that she was sound asleep. They begin chatting, and Alexandra says she loves traveling because it exposes you to different people and cultures. Ashley expresses her desire to be more like Alexandra and not worry about others’ opinions. She admits that she feels burdened by the pressures of popularity. Later, Maury and Ramon, who share a room, decide to order room service. Ramon, who has never stayed in a hotel before, is thrilled about the experience. A while later, the group heads out for the day.
Chapter 5 Summary: “More, More, More…LESS!”
As usual, the chapter begins with a comic illustrated by Jordan. In the comic, Jordan reflects on how people appreciate variety in many aspects of life, such as food, colors, and TV channels. However, when it comes to people, diversity is often perceived as overwhelming.
In Paris, the group strolls down the street, taking in the sights. Samira asks Maury why there aren’t as many tall buildings in Paris as there are in New York. Maury explains that Paris is an ancient city, known for its uniform architecture. He says that his mother studied in Paris, and their family visits the city often. They try to get on a hop-on-hop-off bus, but they encounter a hiccup as they discover the teachers’ credit card doesn’t work for international purchases. They continue walking, and the kids marvel at the Seine River and the relaxed atmosphere of the city—they’re astonished to see people simply sitting by the water, doing nothing. They walk past Notre-Dame, and they ask the teachers if they can also sit by the water like the Parisians do. The teachers agree. When Andy complains that he’s bored, Mr. Garnier imparts a valuable lesson: “Sometimes, you have to stop and smell the roses” (117). As they sit by the Seine, Jordan pulls out his new sketchbook and wears his beret. Meanwhile, Ashley is on her phone, looking enviously at photos of Ruby and Malaika enjoying themselves in Yellowstone.
Led by Maury, who knows Paris well, the group makes their way to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Along the route, Maury takes them to a boulangerie for lunch, where he introduces them to various types of French pastries. He then guides them on the metro while the teachers follow along. On the journey, Andy wonders aloud why nobody laughs at his jokes. Samira responds by explaining that his “jokes make people uncomfortable” and humiliate them (131). Jordan illustrates a comic strip titled “Samira’s Guide to Insulting People (And Having Them Stay Your Friend).” In the comic, fictional Samira offers advice: avoid teasing someone about things they can’t change, refrain from using unwanted nicknames, ensure mutual liking before teasing, and ensure that teasing is reciprocal. The group confronts Andy for his unfunny jokes and bullying behavior toward his classmates.
Chapter 6 Summary: “Gooooooals!!!”
In a comic strip, Jordan reflects on the importance of having goals in life—Alexandra, for example, dreams of becoming a child psychologist. However, Jordan also reflects on his friends from the block who seem to lack clear goals, wondering, “[H]ow do you give someone a dream when they don’t even know that they’re allowed to dream?” (139).
In Paris, the group finally arrives at the Sacré-Coeur. They marvel at it, feeling a sense of disbelief that they’re actually there. Drew reflects that many people back home never get the chance to leave their neighborhood and wishes they could experience this moment. Liam, who travels frequently, admits that trips have lost some of their excitement for him because he misses the sense of newness. Meanwhile, Andy teases Samira, jokingly asking if she’s allowed to enter the church because she’s Muslim, and she teases him back.
After visiting the Sacré-Coeur, they explore Montmartre. Mr. Roche informs them that they’ll need to use their own money to buy anything since the credit cards still aren’t working. As they’re getting ice cream, Andy teases Ramon, but the group comes to Ramon’s defense, leaving Andy sulking. Outside the ice cream shop, Jordan, Drew, Maury, and Ramon wonder why kids like them aren’t often portrayed traveling in books and movies. Jordan then draws a comic strip titled “Bon Voyage, Jordan Banks! (But Don’t Actually Ever Go Anywhere Fun!).” In the comic, a fictional Jordan reflects that he’s never seen kids like him go anywhere fun—Black kids only seem to go down South after something horrible happens. Even Luke Cage, a Black superhero, never seems to leave the neighborhood. As a result, Black kids think that they can’t travel in real life, either.
At dinnertime, the atmosphere is light-hearted as the kids have some playful banter. Once again, Samira emphasizes to Andy that the aim of banter is “the laugh, not the pain” (153). Maury explains that, in France, the entrée is the appetizer, not the main course. Alexandra orders fondue while Andy opts for a classic American burger. Samira explains that she can’t eat pork, and any meat must be halal or kosher, so she settles for fish and vegetables. Andy is disgusted by Maury ordering snails. Meanwhile, the teachers strike up a conversation with Sylvie, a woman at the restaurant. Sylvie explains that there’s a significant cultural difference between America and France—in France, people value their personal lives over work. This prompts the teachers to reflect on the potentially toxic work culture in America. After dinner, the teachers’ card still isn’t working. Maury covers the bill with his card, and everyone toasts to him.
Chapters 4-6 Analysis
Chapters 4 through 6 of the graphic novel show the characters en route to Paris and having their first few experiences in the city. This section further develops the personalities within the group of students and shows the dynamics that will eventually lead to everyone’s growth and resolutions. In Paris, Maury takes charge as he knows the city well, acting as a guide for the group. To immerse young readers who have never visited Paris in the city’s atmosphere, Craft portrays the unique aspects of Paris, such as the cafes, scooters, art, statues, bridges, and book stalls. Illustrations like the one showing the iconic gargoyle bring Paris to life (113). Another educational moment occurs when Mr. Garnier explains what an idiom is (118), educating his students—and possibly younger readers—about linguistic concepts.
These chapters continue the conversation surrounding The Impact of Racism and Discrimination. For example, when Maury steps into the first-class line at the airport, he’s met with skepticism. This prejudice stems from the assumption that a Black kid like Maury couldn’t possibly afford to fly first class. As usual, despite the serious subject matter, the graphic novel maintains a lighthearted tone. Jordan draws a humorous comic about the double meanings of certain words, and the flight attendant jokingly instructs everyone to “lower [their] gaze as the FLAUNT-IT-PLUS passengers board” (90). Racism is further addressed in Chapter 6, as Jordan, Drew, Maury, and Ramon question why kids like them are rarely depicted traveling in books and movies. Author Craft emphasizes the importance of representation, as the absence of characters like themselves leads kids to believe that such experiences don’t exist.
The motif of bullying is prominent throughout the chapters, with Andy teasing everyone around him. However, the kids refuse to be pushed around and stand up for themselves. When Andy mocks Ramon for having less money, Maury intervenes, demonstrating a kind and compassionate nature and establishing a bond with Ramon. The very nature of bullying is addressed as Samira explains to Andy: “MY jokes are meant to make people laugh, NOT to humiliate them, Andy” (131). This highlights the distinction between harmless teasing and bullying. Following this interaction, Jordan’s comic strip, titled “Samira’s Guide to Insulting People (And Having Them Stay Your Friend)” has an educational purpose. With a humorous tone, Craft illustrates the fine line between playful banter and hurtful behavior, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Andy, who demonstrates immaturity, fails to grasp this concept. As a result, he finds himself isolated from the group—on page 149, he’s depicted by himself in the ice cream shop, while everyone else has already left.
The character of Ashley is also depicted with depth in this section. In Paris, Ashley is constantly checking her phone, waiting for a message from Ruby. This reveals her insecurity and eagerness for validation. Her jealousy of Ruby’s relationship with Malaika is palpable. Ashley’s behavior can sometimes come across as intrusive and condescending; for example, on their first night in Paris, she wakes Alexandra under the assumption that Alexandra must be feeling homesick and unable to sleep, only to discover that Alexandra was actually sound asleep. Despite her flaws, Ashley’s intentions are genuine, and she desires friendship. She opens up to Alexandra, expressing the burden she feels from being popular: “[Y]ou have NO IDEA how hard it is to be popular, Alexandra” (102). This glimpse into Ashley’s inner struggles adds complexity to her character.
In contrast to Ashley, Alexandra is portrayed as someone who values solitude and is content with who she is. While Ashley’s interests are more superficial, Alexandra explains that she loves traveling because of the exposure to different people and cultures that comes with it: “The more time we spend with people who aren’t like us, the more we learn that they really are like us…And if they’re not, that’s okay! Maybe we might like them anyway” (101). The theme of The Beauty of Diversity is highlighted through this perspective. Similarly, in the comic strip at the beginning of Chapter 5, Jordan explores the notion that people like variety in many aspects of life, but struggle with diversity among people. Andy exemplifies someone who fails to appreciate diversity—he opts for a burger in France and reacts with disgust to Maury trying French snails. Craft conveys the message that differences in background and perspectives are enriching, while also shedding light on the reality that racism and preconceived notions often lead people to cling to what is familiar to them. Moreover, through Sylvie’s character in Chapter 6, Craft shows that France has a different, healthier mentality when it comes to work-life balance. Her perspective is enriching, and it allows the teacher to reflect on American ideals.
