Ghosts I have been
by Richard Peck
Dell Pub. Co. 1987
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- coming of age
- social class and status
- bullying
- belief vs. skepticism
- empathy
- identity
- mystery
About this book
Blossom Culp, a sharp-witted girl from the wrong side of town, discovers her "second sight" might be more than a bluff. In a small Midwestern community in the early 1900s, her visions pull her into mysteries that test her courage and her sense of right and wrong. Blending humor, history, and a touch of the supernatural, this story keeps readers turning pages. Great for middle-grade readers who like ghostly twists with strong, funny narrators.
Setting: a small Midwestern town in the early 1910s (pre–World War I)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghosts I have been right for my child?
Yes — Ghosts I have been is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 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 courage, coming of age, social class and status.
How long does it take to read Ghosts I have been?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Ghosts I have been takes around 6.1h to finish. The book has 60,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghosts I have been have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghosts I have been has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Ghosts I have been?
Ghosts I have been has an AR reading level of 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.