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Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class

Age rating and parents' guide:The Boy at the Back of the Class

by Onjali Q. Rauf

Ages 9–14

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf is best for children aged 9–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Refugee backstory.

A refugee boy joins Alexa’s class, and classmates work together to reunite him with his missing family.

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Content ratings

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

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Refugee backstory

Dhiraj Bodade

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

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

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

Reading mood

  • Thoughtful

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Family

Books like The Boy at the Back of the Class

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

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    Wanda’s classmates mock her claim of owning one hundred dresses, then discover the truth through her remarkable drawings.

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    Restart

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    After injuring a classmate, popular bully Chase loses his memory and gets a chance to rebuild his identity.

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    Diary of a Wimpy Kid

    by Jeff Kinney

    Greg Heffley records middle-school embarrassments, family conflicts, and misguided schemes in his illustrated diary.

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  • Cover of Wonder

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    Wonder

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Boy at the Back of the Class for?
The Boy at the Back of the Class suits children aged 9–14. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is The Boy at the Back of the Class appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Refugee backstory.
Q: What should my child read after The Boy at the Back of the Class?
Try The Hundred Dresses, Restart and Each Kindness. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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