New Kid
Jerry Craft
New Kid
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jerry Craft
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
A talented artist named Jordan navigates the challenges of being the new kid at a prestigious private school where he feels out of place. Through humor and heart, he learns to embrace his identity and make genuine friendships despite feeling different. This story celebrates the power of self-expression and acceptance in a world that often feels unfamiliar.
About & Banning Context
In 'New Kid', seventh grader Jordan Banks is passionate about creating cartoons that reflect his experiences. However, his parents choose to send him to an elite private school instead of the art academy he desires. At Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan is one of the few students of color, which makes him feel out of place as he transitions from his familiar neighborhood in Washington Heights to this new environment. Throughout the story, Jordan grapples with the challenges of fitting in, balancing his friendships from home with the expectations of his new school, and remaining authentic to his identity amidst the pressures of his surroundings.
- ● SLJ Best Books
- ● YALSA Quick Picks for Young Readers
- ● Kirkus Prize
- ● Texas Bluebonnet Award
- ● Illinois Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year
- ● Virginia Readers' Choice List
- ● New Hampshire Great Stone Face Children's Book Award
- ● Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List
- + 55 more
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 4 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include bullying, identity & self-discovery. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated New Kid 9LE
New Kid is written at a Level 4 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 5.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, New Kid works for readers up to grade 6.0.
We rate New Kid as 9LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Bullying, Identity & Self-Discovery.
Thematically, New Kid explores friendship, coming of age, family, humor, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, coming of age, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
6/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- HRe1ae42887c
- Type
- Fiction