New Kid vs Smile — 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/smile) for grade-range + reading-level estimates from school assignments.

What grade level is New Kid vs Smile?

New Kid: 4-8 grade range. Smile: 4-8 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 Smile?

Both New Kid and Smile 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/smile) 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 Smile 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 Smile

How New Kid by Jerry Craft and Smile by Raina Telgemeiercompare 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

Smile

Raina Telgemeier

Lexile: 410L
Grades: 4–8
Published: 2010
Pages: 224
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

At a glance

Grade-range overlap: Grades 4–8
Year-of-publication gap: 9 years (2019 vs 2010)
Page-count gap: 32 pages (256 vs 224)
Shared curricula: 20 of 102
Shared themes: 1 of 9

Themes

Shared

friendship

Only New Kid

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

Only Smile

growing up · self-acceptance · humor

Get these books

New Kid

Jerry Craft

Where to find this book

Buy on AmazonPrime · 1-click Listen free on Audible30-day trial

Audible: new members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership.

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.

Smile

Raina Telgemeier

Where to find this book

Buy on AmazonPrime · 1-click Listen free on Audible30-day trial

Audible: new members only · many assigned titles are included with the membership.

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 vs Smile

New Kid

Smile

At a glance

Curriculum overlap

Themes

Shared

Only New Kid

Only Smile

Get these books

Where to find this book

Where to find this book

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