NYT Bestselling Graphic Novelist Known for "New Kid," "Class Act" & "School Trip"; Co-Founder of the Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival

Connecticut, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Jerry Craft Biography

Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels "New Kid," "Class Act," and "School Trip". Craft has a long history of acclaim, with "New Kid" winning the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature in 2020, the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature in 2019, and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer in 2020. This graphic novel was the first to receive the Newbery Medal, marking a significant achievement in Craft's career.

In addition to his graphic novels, Craft is well known for creating the comic strip "Mama’s Boyz," which received the Glyph Awards in 2013 for Best Comic Strip or Webcomic. He is a co-founder of the Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival. His other notable works include "The Offenders: Saving the World While Serving Detention!", which was co-written with his sons Jaylen and Aren Craft, and "Mama's Boyz" collections such as "As American as Sweet Potato Pie!" and "Home Schoolin' – Because Learning Shouldn't Stop at 3 O'Clock". He has also illustrated books such as "Hillary's Big Business Adventure" and "Khalil's Way".

Born in Harlem and raised in the Washington Heights section of New York City, Craft now resides in Norwalk, Connecticut. He regularly engages with the community, performing cartooning workshops at schools, camps, and libraries. It's not just about creating comics and books for Craft, it's also about inspiring the next generation of creators and readers.

BOOK Jerry Craft

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 12/11/2025.

Jerry Craft Speaking Topics

  • Cartoon Workshop

    Join award-winning syndicated cartoonist Jerry Craft as he shares his experiences as a professional cartoonist and illustrator. He’ll show you the secrets behind creating his New Kid graphic novels and teach you how he creates his children’s books from start to finish. Then it’s your turn to draw! Mr. Craft will give you step-by-step instruction to show you how you can use simple shapes to create your own cool comic book characters.

    Sessions may be done as a workshop with kids (and their teachers or families) drawing along with step-by-step instruction, or lecture-style (without the kids drawing along). Workshops can also tailored to fit any class.

    In addition to drawing, there will also be emphasis placed on the following:

    • Finding your passion and making a career of it
    • The importance of trying and taking creative risks
    • Learning from your mistakes
    • Finding your creative voice
    • Education, and how both English and Math are used to make Mama’s Boyz successful
    • Choosing friends who will support you
    • How the decisions you make now can have an impact on the rest of your life

Jerry Craft Videos

Jerry Craft and New Kid

Jerry Craft and New Kid

The inspiration behind my graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. Plus a little about how I grew up. AND I draw Jordan Banks.

Jerry Craft - "School Trip" | The Daily Show

Jerry Craft - "School Trip" | The Daily Show

"They can read it in 13 different languages… They just can't read it in Texas." New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jerry Craft...

  • How do I book Jerry Craft to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Jerry Craft

    Speaking fees for Jerry Craft, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jerry Craft are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jerry Craft, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Jerry Craft speak about?

    Jerry Craft is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Bestselling Authors, Black Heritage, Children's Authors, Storytelling
  • Where does Jerry Craft travel from?

    Jerry Craft generally travels from Connecticut, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Jerry Craft’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Jerry Craft for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jerry Craft for your next private or corporate function.
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Jerry Craft is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Cartoon Workshop. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jerry Craft for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Jerry Craft generally travels from CT, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lois Lowry, Eric Litwin, Laura Numeroff, R.L. Stine and Erin Gruwell. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jerry Craft for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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