Highly illogical behavior
John Corey Whaley
Highly illogical behavior
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Corey Whaley
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Solomon hasn’t left his house in three whole years, and that’s not by accident. Lisa believes she can help him step outside his fear—and maybe change both their lives forever. What happens when courage meets curiosity in the most unexpected friendship?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the challenges of agoraphobia and panic attacks through the story of Solomon, a teenager who hasn't left his home in years, and Lisa, a classmate determined to help him. The book thoughtfully addresses mental health and friendship, suitable for ages 9-12, with positive representation of LGBTQ+ themes. Parents should note the emotional exploration of anxiety but will find it handled with sensitivity.
Why we rated Highly illogical behavior 11ME
Highly illogical behavior is written at a Level 6 reading level across 249 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Highly illogical behavior works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Highly illogical behavior as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Highly illogical behavior explores friendship, mental health, lgbtq+ representation, and coming of age — 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 friendship, mental health, lgbtq+ representation.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780525428183
- Pages
- 249
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction