
Age rating and parents' guide:Gangsta Granny
by David Walliams
Ages 9–11
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Gentle bereavement at end.
Ben dreads staying with his cabbage-obsessed grandmother every Friday evening, convinced she is the most boring person alive. Everything changes when he stumbles upon a tin full of diamonds and discovers she is actually an international jewel thief with eyes on the Crown Jewels. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Gentle bereavement at end
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
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
- Mystery & Detective
- Action & Adventure
Reading mood
- Adventurous
- Mysterious
Good to talk about
- Family
- Mystery & Detective
Books like Gangsta Granny
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–11
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein
When game lover Kyle Keeley wins an invitation to spend the night in his town's brand-new public library, he expects a fun sleepover with games and holographic wonders. Encourages young readers to reflect on belonging and being a good friend.

Ages 6–11
Geronimo Stilton (series)
by Geronimo Stilton (created by Elisabetta Dami)
Geronimo Stilton is a quiet, nervous mouse who runs a newspaper on New Mouse City, but his eccentric family members constantly drag him into wild adventures across the globe. From solving curious mysteries to surviving treacherous journeys, Geronimo bumbles through danger with plenty of comic mishaps. Brings a little silliness to reading time and invites shared smiles.

Ages 8–12
The Magic of the Lost Temple
by Sudha Murty
While spending her summer vacation at her grandparents' home in a Karnataka village, city girl Nooni falls in love with rural life. She learns to cycle, helps around the house, and explores the nearby forests.

Ages 9–11
Secret Coders
by Gene Luen Yang
Hopper enters Stately Academy, an odd school filled with creepy four-eyed birds and mysterious secrets. Teaming up with fellow student Eni, she uncovers puzzles left behind by the school's eccentric founder. Invites readers to reflect on classmates, choices, and belonging.

Ages 9–11
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E.L. Konigsburg
Claudia Kincaid decides to run away from home to teach her family a lesson in appreciating her, choosing the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as her hideout. She brings along her frugal younger brother, Jamie, to manage their money. Invites children to imagine, create, and share ideas of their own.

Ages 6–11
The Boxcar Children
by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Four orphaned siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny—run away to stay together and make a cozy home inside an abandoned train car in the woods. Using their wits and teamwork, they find creative ways to gather food, build dishes, and take care of each other. Invites heartwarming conversations about family, care, and understanding.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.
Questions parents ask
Q: What age is Gangsta Granny for?
Q: Is Gangsta Granny appropriate for a 9 year old?
Q: What should my child read after Gangsta Granny?
Love books yourself? Get paid to read with kids as a Bookbuddy