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Cover of Restart

Age rating and parents' guide:Restart

by Gordon Korman

Ages 9–14

Restart by Gordon Korman is best for children aged 9–14. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Bullying backstory.

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.

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Content ratings

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

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Bullying backstory

Dhiraj Bodade

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

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

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

Reading mood

  • Thoughtful

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Emotions & empathy

Books like Restart

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

  • 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.

    Know moreGet 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.

    Know moreGet 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.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The King of Nothing

    Ages 12–14

    The King of Nothing

    by Nathanael Lessore

    Anton is the undisputed king of his crew, spending his days mocking others and playing the part of the untouchable cool kid. But when an unexpected mishap at a school fair completely shatters his tough exterior, his friends turn on him and his social status evaporates overnight. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of New Kid

    Ages 12–14

    New Kid

    by Jerry Craft

    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.

    Know moreGet book
  • 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.

    Know moreGet book

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Restart for?
Restart suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is Restart appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Bullying backstory.
Q: What should my child read after Restart?
Try Wonder, The Boy at the Back of the Class and Swami and Friends. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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