Dickens & Rumi
Cover of NEW FROM HERE

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NEW FROM HERE

Kelly Yang

Knox and his family return to California from Hong Kong. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers: the language and narrative are accessible, but pandemic fears, family separation, illness, racism, and grief may need discussion with younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The novel is not built around brands, products, purchasing, or merchandising prompts.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The story briefly engages with pandemic-related loss and grief, but does not focus on a clearly depicted death or the death of someone close to the main character.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Includes some instances of name-calling and discriminatory language reflective of the characters' challenges.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not applicable.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No significant romantic subplots for the age group.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Includes anxiety about the global health crisis and the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes instances of verbal bullying and social aggression related to xenophobia.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face relocation, uncertainty, prejudice, and separation with persistence and moral courage rather than recklessness.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inspires creative problem-solving in the face of social obstacles.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Centers a Chinese family and explores immigration, cultural adjustment, Asian identity, and racism with substantial character agency.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the early experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social impact of anti-Asian rhetoric.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Support within the family and acts of friendship and community care are important responses to fear and exclusion.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes family solidarity, resilience, empathy, confronting racism, adapting to change, and finding belonging in a new community.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist and family model integrity, resilience, and personal growth under difficult circumstances.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in NEW FROM HERE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in NEW FROM HERE, and what caused that change?
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You’re hereNEW FROM HERE
The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+The Dangerous GiftTui T. Sutherland · 2020Ages 12+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Brown Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1904Ages 10+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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