Ghost in the garden
by Gail Herman
Scholastic Inc. 2000
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- mystery-solving
- facing fears
- family and friends
- teamwork
- curiosity
- observation and clues
- nature and gardening
About this book
When strange sights and sounds start coming from a neighborhood garden, a pair of young sleuths decides to investigate. With short chapters, supportive illustrations, and just-right suspense, this early reader mystery offers a gentle thrill without being too scary. It’s perfect for kids who love spooky fun, solving clues, and stories set close to home. Emerging readers enjoy the repeatable vocabulary and satisfying, not-too-creepy payoff.
Setting: a suburban community garden, present day, mostly at dusk and evening
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost in the garden right for my child?
Yes — Ghost in the garden is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, which is typical for 2nd 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 mystery-solving, facing fears, family and friends.
How long does it take to read Ghost in the garden?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Ghost in the garden takes around 8m to finish. The book has 950 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghost in the garden have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghost in the garden has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Ghost in the garden?
Ghost in the garden has an AR reading level of 2.6, which places it at a 2nd 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.