New Kid vs Wonder — which is harder to read?

Lexile data not available for one or both titles in this comparison. See each book's page (/book/new-kid and /book/wonder) for grade-range + reading-level estimates from school assignments.

What grade level is New Kid vs Wonder?

New Kid: 4-8 grade range. Wonder: 3-7 grade range. Both assigned within the 3-5 band. Specific district and curriculum vary; see each book's page for the full assignment history.

Which is more commonly taught, New Kid or Wonder?

Both New Kid and Wonder are in the top-10 most-cited books on ReadingList.school across US school assignments and curricula. Each book's individual page (/book/new-kid, /book/wonder) lists every tracked assignment with source citation, so you can see which has broader curriculum reach in your specific region.

Should I read New Kid or Wonder first?

If they're in the same school year, follow the syllabus order (usually chronological by publication or grouped by theme). If reading independently: start with the shorter or lower-Lexile title to build context, then move to the other. Both titles often appear together on AP / IB reading lists as paired study.

Comparison

New Kid vs Wonder

How New Kid by Jerry Craft and Wonder by R.J. Palaciocompare on reading level, grade placement, curriculum overlap, and shared themes — derived from primary-source citations on each book’s ReadingList page.

New Kid

Jerry Craft

Grades: 4–8
Published: 2019
Pages: 256
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Wonder

R.J. Palacio

Lexile: 790L
Grades: 3–7
Published: 2012
Pages: 320
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

At a glance

Grade-range overlap: Grades 4–7
Year-of-publication gap: 7 years (2019 vs 2012)
Page-count gap: 64 pages (256 vs 320)
Shared curricula: 84 of 193
Shared themes: 1 of 11
States banning both: 1: FL

Curriculum overlap

Both books appear in 84 shared curriculum frameworks:

Themes

Shared

friendship

Only New Kid

race and identity · code-switching · middle school adjustment · graphic narrative · private vs public school

Only Wonder

facial difference · kindness · bullying · family · empathy

Banned-state overlap

Both books have documented removals or formal challenges in 1 shared state: Florida. Per PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024; policies vary by district within each state.

Get these books

New Kid

Jerry Craft

Where to find this book

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Wonder

R.J. Palacio

Where to find this book

Buy on AmazonPrime · 1-click Listen free on Audiblestarts instantly

Audible: new members only · many assigned titles are included · a free 30-day trial starts listening right away, with no wait for delivery.

Other formats on Amazon: Kindle · Audiobook

As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases and membership trials at no extra cost to you. Pricing, Prime, and trial terms shown on Amazon.

New Kid

Wonder

At a glance

Curriculum overlap

Themes

Shared

Only New Kid

Only Wonder

Banned-state overlap

Get these books

Where to find this book

Where to find this book

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