A Ghost in the House
Scholastic Paperbacks 1995
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- courage
- mystery and investigation
- loyalty
- grief and loss
- trust
- the past’s impact on the present
About this book
Twelve-year-old Sarah spends the summer helping care for her strict Great-Aunt Margaret in a creaky old house where unsettling noises, cold drafts, and moving objects hint at a restless spirit. As the incidents grow bolder, Sarah suspects the ghost is tied to a long-buried family tragedy. With curiosity and courage, she follows clues through the house’s history to uncover the truth. Fans of spooky mysteries will enjoy the chills, relatable heroine, and satisfying puzzle without anything too scary.
Setting: an old family house in a small Midwestern town, contemporary time
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Ghost in the House right for my child?
Yes — A Ghost in the House is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family secrets, courage, mystery and investigation.
How long does it take to read A Ghost in the House?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Ghost in the House takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Ghost in the House have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Ghost in the House has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Ghost in the House?
A Ghost in the House has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.