By reason of insanity
Shane Stevens
By reason of insanity
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Shane Stevens
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
Thomas Bishop bolts through the dark corridors of the institution, his heart pounding as guards shout behind him. Pain and fury fuel every step, but freedom feels miles away. What will happen when the world faces the man they fear most?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This psychological thriller follows Thomas Bishop, a young man who escapes from a criminally insane institution, setting off a high-stakes manhunt. The story contains mature themes including violence and intense suspense, making it more suitable for older middle-grade readers around ages 11-12. Parents should be aware of its dark tone and portrayal of crime and psychological distress.
Why we rated By reason of insanity 12IE
By reason of insanity is written at a Level 8 reading level across 511 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, By reason of insanity works for readers up to grade 10.0.
We rate By reason of insanity as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Violence, Psychological Intensity.
Thematically, By reason of insanity explores psychological thriller, suspense, crime, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about psychological thriller, suspense, crime.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0671240587
- Pages
- 511
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster
- Published
- 1979
- Type
- Fiction