Ghost in the Noonday Sun
Econo-Clad Books 1989
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- cleverness vs. brute force
- greed and consequences
- loyalty and friendship
- identity
- superstition vs. reason
- justice
- survival
About this book
This swashbuckling adventure from Newbery Medalist Sid Fleischman follows a quick-witted boy who falls in with a band of bumbling pirates—and a troublesome ghost tied to a cursed treasure. Between cutlass scrapes, comic cons, and eerie visitations, he must rely on brains over brawn to outsmart scoundrels on sea and shore. Fast-paced chapters, lively wordplay, and plenty of humor make it an engaging read-aloud. A great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical adventures with a spooky twist.
Setting: the high seas and a sun-baked island, 18th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost in the Noonday Sun right for my child?
Yes — Ghost in the Noonday Sun is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 courage, cleverness vs. brute force, greed and consequences.
How long does it take to read Ghost in the Noonday Sun?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ghost in the Noonday Sun takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghost in the Noonday Sun have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghost in the Noonday Sun 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 Ghost in the Noonday Sun?
Ghost in the Noonday Sun has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.