Ghost Walls
The Story of a 17th-Century Colonial Homestead
Carolrhoda Books ® 2014
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- archaeology
- colonization and settlement
- daily life in early America
- religious tolerance and conflict
- community building
- evidence and inference
- economy and labor (tobacco)
- heritage and memory
About this book
This narrative nonfiction follows the rise, life, and disappearance of St. John’s, a 17th‑century homestead in colonial Maryland, and the modern archaeological detective work that brings its story back to life. Using primary sources, maps, and artifacts, Sally M. Walker shows what daily life looked like for settlers—how they built, farmed, worshiped, and governed—while exploring the promise and conflicts of a new colony. Clear storytelling and rich visuals invite middle‑grade readers to think like historians and archaeologists. Ideal for kids who love real‑world mysteries and American history.
Setting: St. John’s house near St. Mary’s City, colonial Maryland (1630s–1700s) and a modern archaeological dig
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost Walls right for my child?
Yes — Ghost Walls is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th 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 archaeology, colonization and settlement, daily life in early America.
How long does it take to read Ghost Walls?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Ghost Walls takes around 2.3h to finish. The book has 24,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghost Walls have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghost Walls has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Walls?
Ghost Walls has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th 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.