Age rating and parents' guide:Booked
by Kwame Alexander
Ages 9–14
Booked by Kwame Alexander is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, a little romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Parents separating.
Twelve-year-old Nick Hall loves soccer and dreams of playing professionally, but life off the pitch suddenly gets complicated. Between his parents' impending separation, dealing with school bullies, and trying to impress a girl, he feels completely overwhelmed. To make matters worse, his linguist father insists he read a heavy dictionary. Written in energetic, fast-paced free verse, this relatable sports novel captures the intense rhythms of school life, young romance, and family upheaval with warmth, wit, and emotional honesty.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- Mild
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Parents separating
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel in verse
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Sports
- School life
Reading mood
- Playful
Good to talk about
- Family
- Sports
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