Bookstaken LogoBookstaken
JourneyBook RecommendationsPricing
Become a Bookbuddy
JourneyBook Recommendations
Free Trial
Menu
Back
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. As he travels daily from Washington Heights to the upscale campus, he must learn to navigate two very different worlds. Readers relate to Jordan's struggles with fitting in, subtle prejudice, and staying true to himself, all portrayed with humor, honesty, and expressive graphic novel artwork.

Get this bookFind books for my child

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

  • ★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. Having completely forgotten who he used to be, Chase has an unexpected clean slate to decide what kind of person he actually wants to become. Told from multiple student perspectives, it offers a thoughtful and funny look at redemption, reputation, and whether people can truly change.

    Know moreGet 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. Told from multiple perspectives, this heartfelt and often funny story follows Auggie, his friends, and his family as they navigate empathy, hardship, and acceptance. Young readers connect deeply with its honest characters and memorable message about choosing kindness.

    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. Filled with gentle humor and warmth, the story captures the innocent joys, minor dramas, and relatable anxieties of growing up, offering young readers a delightful glimpse into childhood life in a bygone India.

    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. There, an evil mastermind is transmitting hidden messages to control minds. Children love the clever riddles, ingenious puzzle-solving, and the way each distinct personality must work together to save the world.

    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. Deciding to be his friends, the children hatch a bold plan to help reunite him with his parents. Told with warmth, humour, and innocence, this uplifting story gives young readers an accessible look at empathy, friendship, and the refugee crisis.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The Angry River

    Ages 10–14

    The Angry River

    by Ruskin Bond

    Sita lives with her grandparents on a tiny island in the middle of a great river. When her grandmother falls ill and her grandfather takes her to the hospital on the mainland, Sita is left on her own just as monsoon rains cause the river to swell uncontrollably. As the water rises toward her home, she must rely on courage and resourcefulness to survive. Ruskin Bond tells an evocative, atmospheric survival story filled with natural drama that keeps readers turning the pages while gently exploring loss and resilience.

    Know moreGet book

Is this the right book for your child?

Tell us your child's age, what they are into, how they feel about reading and anything to avoid. Bookstaken's free quiz picks seven books matched to them from 300+ children's books.

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 New Kid for?
New Kid suits children aged 12–14. It is a 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.
Bookstaken Logo

We are building the generation that reads the fine print, questions the narrative, and writes their own future. One chapter at a time.

The Path

  • The Curriculum
  • Outcomes
  • Meet the Mentors
  • Blogs
  • Success Stories
  • Pricing & Plans
  • Experience

Book Lists

  • Free Book Recommendations
  • Parents' Guides A–Z
  • Indian Books for Kids
  • Books for Reluctant Readers
  • Sudha Murty Books

The Club

  • About the Founders
  • Become a BookbuddyBecome a Bookbuddy
  • Join Parent Community

Here for You

  • Talk to a Founder
  • Parents' Guide
  • Contact Us

Privacy and Terms

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Happiness Guarantee (Refund Policy)
  • Cookie Policy

#Made with for kids

© 2026 Bookstaken Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Designed by Jaswanth NalluriJaswanth Nalluri

Bookstaken