Houston, Julian: *1944

New Boy, 2005 - Language/Style

  • English Language Level: Moderate
    • Vocabulary – Most words are everyday English, though there are some school-related or culturally specific terms that may require context or explanation. It’s not filled with complex academic or literary language.

      Sentence Structure – The sentences are generally straightforward, with occasional compound or descriptive sentences. There’s nothing extremely convoluted or experimental.

      Content & Themes – The story deals with school life, friendship, and cultural differences. The themes are accessible, though they may introduce some new ideas for learners.

      Cultural Context – References to Afghan culture, history, and social norms might need some explanation, but they don’t make the English itself harder.

  • The novel is moderate for students because it’s challenging enough to introduce new vocabulary and ideas, but still clear and relatable, making reading engaging without being too difficult.