Good behavior
Nathan L. Henry
Good behavior
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Nathan L. Henry
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
At just sixteen, Nathan Henry's life spirals into a world of crime, violence, and addiction in a small Indiana town. As he faces the harsh realities of jail, he begins to reflect on his past and discovers a path toward change and hope. This gripping tale reveals both the struggles and the strength found in seeking redemption.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include addiction, drug use, alcohol abuse. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Good behavior 10IP
Good behavior is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 272 pages (approximately 55,282 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Good behavior works for readers up to grade 7.4.
Read aloud, Good behavior runs about 6.2 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Good behavior as 10IP ("Intense — Physical") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from physical peril, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Addiction, Drug Use, Alcohol Abuse, Violence, Sexual Assault Mention, Death of Animals, Stalking.
Thematically, Good behavior explores coming of age, family, social justice, addiction, and crime — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about coming of age, family, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — 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.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10IP — Intense — PhysicalHeavy 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781599904719
- Pages
- 272
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury USA Childrens
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 55,282
- Read-Aloud
- ~6h 9m
- Text Density
- Standard