When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left
Marc Colagiovanni
When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Marc Colagiovanni
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Nothing is going right—nothing at all! But what if you could just turn around and go left instead? Sometimes the best adventures start when you choose a new path.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This picture book encourages young readers to embrace optimism and resilience when faced with challenges. Using playful language and vibrant illustrations, it promotes self-reliance and the power of choice in overcoming difficulties. Suitable for ages 5-8, it is an uplifting story ideal for early readers and milestone moments.
Why we rated When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left 7LE
When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left explores emotions & feelings, self-esteem & self-reliance, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about emotions & feelings, self-esteem & self-reliance, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" 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
- 9781338831184
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Orchard Books
- Published
- 2023
- Type
- Fiction