Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT

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WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT

Marc Colagiovanni

A young boy deals with his anxieties in his own way. (Ages 4 to 8)

Ages 4+Source checked

Why this age? The story uses simple language and imaginative illustrations suitable for preschoolers and early elementary children learning about emotional regulation and persistence. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age4+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary content.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes the courage to try a different approach when things do not go as planned.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imaginative thinking and flexible problem-solving techniques.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The main character is illustrated clearly, but the book does not focus on diverse identity representation as a primary theme.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides a gentle lesson in emotional intelligence and basic problem-solving.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The book encourages self-kindness and patience during difficult moments.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The book strongly emphasizes resilience, positive mindset, and the importance of looking at challenges from a new angle.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist serves as a relatable model for children working through frustration.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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