How to be bad
E. Lockhart
How to be bad
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by E. Lockhart
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The salty breeze mixes with the roar of the engine as three best friends speed down the highway, leaving the dusty roads of their small town behind. Each turn brings new sights and secrets, as Jesse, Vicks, and Mel share their hopes, fears, and dreams. Together, they discover that some journeys change everything — but some bonds are meant to last forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows three close friends from a small Florida town on a road trip to Miami, exploring themes of friendship and personal growth. Told through alternating perspectives, the story gently addresses the challenges of adolescence and the desire to escape small-town limitations. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains no intense content but offers meaningful insight into interpersonal relationships.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 9780061284236
- Pages
- 325
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2008
- Type
- Fiction