Ghost Game
by Marcia Thornton Jones
Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2003
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- bravery
- teamwork
- mystery and problem-solving
- supernatural
- trust
About this book
A quick, spooky chapter-book read from Marcia Thornton Jones, Ghost Game follows a group of friends whose fun game night takes a chilling turn when something unseen starts playing by its own rules. As strange clues pile up, the kids work together to figure out who—or what—is behind the ghostly pranks. Short chapters, plenty of suspense, and a light scare factor make it perfect for newer independent readers. Kids enjoy the fast pace, relatable friend dynamics, and a mystery that invites them to guess along.
Setting: a contemporary small-town neighborhood and elementary school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost Game right for my child?
Yes — Ghost Game is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.4, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, bravery, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Ghost Game?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Ghost Game takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 8,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghost Game have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghost Game has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Ghost Game?
Ghost Game has an AR reading level of 3.4, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.