Dial-a-ghost
by Eva Ibbotson
Scholastic 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- found family
- courage
- good vs. evil
- kindness and empathy
- bullying and resilience
- belonging
- identity
About this book
When a lonely orphan inherits a crumbling English manor, a ghost-matching agency accidentally sends the wrong spirits to haunt his new home. Instead of terrifying fiends, he meets a warmhearted family of ghosts who would rather help than haunt. With humor, heart, and a touch of spooky fun, the story celebrates unlikely friendships and standing up to bullies. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy gentle scares, quirky characters, and magical mischief.
Setting: contemporary England—London and a rambling country manor
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dial-a-ghost right for my child?
Yes — Dial-a-ghost is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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 friendship, found family, courage.
How long does it take to read Dial-a-ghost?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Dial-a-ghost takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dial-a-ghost have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dial-a-ghost has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Dial-a-ghost?
Dial-a-ghost has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.