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Cover of New Kid

Age rating and parents' guide:New Kid

by Jerry Craft

Ages 12–14

New Kid by Jerry Craft is best for children aged 12–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.

Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves drawing cartoons and dreams of art school, but his parents enroll him in an elite, academically rigorous private academy where he is one of the few kids of colour. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.

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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 4 October 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Graphic novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Realistic Fiction (School & Friendships)
  • School life
  • Friendship

Reading mood

  • Character-driven

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • School life

Books like New Kid

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

  • Cover of Restart

    Ages 9–14

    Restart

    by Gordon Korman

    Chase falls off his roof and wakes up with total amnesia. When he returns to middle school, he discovers he was once the school's most notorious bully, feared and hated by many of his peers. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.

    Age & content guideGet book
  • Cover of Wonder

    Ages 9–14

    Wonder

    by R.J. Palacio

    Ten-year-old August Pullman was born with severe facial differences that kept him out of mainstream school—until now. Entering fifth grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his new classmates struggle to look past his appearance. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.

    Age & content guideGet book
  • Cover of Swami and Friends

    Ages 10–14

    Swami and Friends

    by R.K. Narayan

    Ten-year-old Swaminathan navigates school, friendship, and childhood mischief in the charming fictional South Indian town of Malgudi during the British colonial era. Swami would rather play cricket, wander the streets, and dream up schemes with his lively group of classmates than sit in a classroom doing homework. A welcoming introduction to traditions, culture, and shared stories.

    Age & content guideGet book
  • Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class

    Ages 9–14

    The Boy at the Back of the Class

    by Onjali Q. Rauf

    When nine-year-old Ahmet arrives in their classroom, an empty seat at the back is finally filled. He does not speak English and rarely smiles, but a determined group of classmates soon discovers that he is a refugee who fled war in Syria and became separated from his family. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.

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  • Cover of The Mysterious Benedict Society

    Ages 9–14

    The Mysterious Benedict Society

    by Trenton Lee Stewart

    After responding to a peculiar newspaper advertisement, four remarkably gifted orphans pass a series of mind-bending tests. Recruited by the eccentric Mr Benedict, Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance are sent on an undercover mission to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Encourages young readers to reflect on belonging and being a good friend.

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  • Cover of Smile

    Ages 9–14

    Smile

    by Raina Telgemeier

    In sixth grade, Raina trips and severely injures her two front teeth, kicking off an arduous multi-year saga of braces, surgery, and headgear. Alongside her dental troubles, she has to navigate middle school social drama, shifting friendships, and her first crushes. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.

    Age & content guideGet book

On these book lists

  • Graphic novels for kids
  • Hi-lo books for kids
  • Books about feelings and empathy
  • Books about friendship

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is New Kid for?
New Kid suits children aged 12–14. It is a graphic novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is New Kid appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Q: What should my child read after New Kid?
Try Restart, Wonder and Swami and Friends. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.

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