J vs. K

by Kwame Alexander & Jerry Craft, Little, Brown and Company, 2025

Both Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft are award winning and New York Times bestselling authors. Jerry Craft thought it would be a good idea to collaborate with Kwame. In a CBS interview, Kwame says “I think we really wanted to write a book that would show kids that we were like you. There’s no formula to becoming who you want to be, to making your dreams come true. You just to work for it. You got to be passionate about it. Jerry adds  “And you have to have fun doing it.”

J, a fifth-grade student, loves to draw. In fact, everyone at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS) is so impressed with his artwork that they refer to him as “J-Enius!” (p. 1). K, on the other hand, “couldn’t draw bathwater,” but he could write. Teachers are so impressed with K’s writing that they say he has “the write stuff!” At his previous school, the American Academy of London, he was known as the Word Wizard, the Metaphor Master, and the Story Superstar (p. 15). When the annual DAPS creative storytelling contest is announced, both J and K believe they have the skills needed to create the best story and win. In previous years, seventh- and eighth-grade students often claimed first or second place. J would be thrilled just to place among the top five, while K is confident he can win the contest outright. When both boys sign up, a fierce rivalry begins.

What works: The narrative is well written, and the illustrations are realistic and richly detailed, enhancing the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of the text. The authors’ interjections throughout the story are humorous, entertaining, and informative, adding another layer of engagement for readers.

Kwame uses sophisticated vocabulary that challenges readers, even encouraging them to pause their reading to look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary. This approach not only strengthens language skills but also makes learning interactive and fun. Jerry, meanwhile, interjects his own perspective, allowing readers to experience both sides of the story and gain a fuller understanding of the characters’ motivations.

The playful language and clever nicknames—such as “J-Enius” and “the Word Wizard”—add humor and energy to the narrative. These details make the characters memorable and help maintain reader engagement throughout the story. In addition, the friendly rivalry between J and K creates tension that keeps the plot moving forward without becoming overly negative or mean-spirited.

The secondary characters are equally compelling, as they are torn between supporting J or K. This uncertainty creates a light but meaningful conflict—one that is resolved in a creative and satisfying way by the end of the story.

Finally, the school contest setting is both relatable and motivating. Many students have experienced academic competitions or creative challenges, making it easy for readers to connect to the characters’ hopes, insecurities, and ambitions.

Pass it or grab it: Grab it! One of the book’s greatest strengths is the way it highlights different forms of creativity. By contrasting J’s artistic talent with K’s writing ability, the story reinforces the idea that creativity does not look the same for everyone. This message is especially effective for young readers, who may recognize their own strengths in either character