Dickens & Rumi
Cover of OLD SCHOOL

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OLD SCHOOL

Gordon Korman

Dexter, a 12-year-old raised and home-schooled by senior citizens, must now attend school with kids his own age. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for middle-grade readers; includes school bullying, social embarrassment, and mild comic conflict, but no substantial sexual content or graphic violence. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No significant commercial promotion.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild insults typical of middle schoolers.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Features mild, age-appropriate middle school crushes.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not intended to be scary.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes light schoolyard conflict or mischievous behavior.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show substantial moral courage by facing embarrassment, peer pressure, exclusion, and the consequences of their choices with increasing honesty.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Characters use creativity to solve school problems.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a standard ensemble of students.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores social dynamics in a school setting.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages friendship and reconciliation.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story strongly supports authenticity, empathy, friendship, resilience, and questioning unfair social labels and conformity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn and grow from their errors.

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. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in OLD SCHOOL would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in OLD SCHOOL, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereOLD SCHOOL
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

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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