Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
by Susan Tan
Roaring Brook Press 2023
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- anxiety
- family and mental health
- friendship
- courage
- community
- truth vs. rumor
- healing
- resilience
About this book
After moving to a new town, Mo feels responsible for keeping her family safe while her stepdad is gone and her mom struggles to get out of bed. When she hears an eerie urban legend about a ghostly elephant, her worries kick into overdrive—until a new friend draws her into investigating what’s really going on. As Mo hunts for the truth, she learns to face fears, speak up, and see that asking for help can be its own kind of courage. A heartfelt, funny middle-grade story perfect for readers who like mysteries with lots of heart.
Setting: a small coastal New England town, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards right for my child?
Yes — Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, 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 anxiety, family and mental health, friendship.
How long does it take to read Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards takes around 4.7h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards have an AR quiz?
Yes — Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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, Toast, and Other Hazards?
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards has an AR reading level of 4.6, 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.