
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.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
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
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Ages 9–14
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Ages 9–14
Wonder
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Ages 10–14
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Ages 9–14
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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.

Ages 9–14
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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.
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Questions parents ask
Q: What age is New Kid for?
Q: Is New Kid appropriate for a 12 year old?
Q: What should my child read after New Kid?
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