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Cover of Frindle

Age rating and parents' guide:Frindle

by Andrew Clements

Ages 9–11

Frindle by Andrew Clements is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Fifth-grader Nick Allen is known for his clever ideas and knack for distracting teachers. When he decides to coin a new word for pen—"frindle"—his strict language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger, is not amused. What starts as a simple classroom prank quickly spirals out of control, spreading across the school and sparking a national craze. This smart, funny school story explores how language evolves, creative thinking, and the surprising respect that can grow between a mischievous student and a dedicated teacher.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Early chapter book
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Action & Adventure
  • Realistic Fiction (School & Friendships)
  • School life

Reading mood

  • Adventurous
  • Suspenseful

Good to talk about

  • School life
  • Language & wordplay

Books like Frindle

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  • Cover of Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends

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    Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends

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    The Gopi Diaries: Growing Up

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    Told from the perspective of Gopi, a lively golden retriever pup, this heartwarming story follows his everyday life as he grows bigger and learns new lessons. Now a young adult dog, Gopi explores his neighborhood, meets other dogs, and discovers what it means to be part of a loving family. With gentle humor, simple prose, and charming illustrations, it offers an affectionate look at the special bond between pets and humans that early and independent readers will find delightful.

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  • Cover of Matilda

    Ages 9–11

    Matilda

    by Roald Dahl

    Matilda Wormwood is an extraordinarily bright little girl, but her selfish parents treat her like a nuisance. When she starts school, she finds a warm friend in her teacher, Miss Honey, but faces a terrifying headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who despises children. Matilda soon discovers she possesses a surprising special power that just might help her fight back. Packed with Dahl's signature mischievous humor, it is a fun, empowering story about brains triumphing over bullies.

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  • Cover of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Frindle for?
Frindle suits children aged 9–11. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is Frindle appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Q: What should my child read after Frindle?
Try Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior, Malgudi Schooldays: The Adventures of Swami and His Friends and The Gopi Diaries: Growing Up. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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