House of Dies Drear
by Tisha Hamilton
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing 1970
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include racism and justice
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Genre
Themes
- mystery and suspense
- family and heritage
- secrets and hidden history
- courage
- identity and belonging
- trust and betrayal
- racism and justice
- community
About this book
When Thomas Small’s family moves into an imposing old house in Ohio, he learns it once sheltered freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Strange sounds, secret passages, and wary neighbors hint that the past isn’t entirely at rest. As Thomas investigates, he uncovers clues that connect history to the present and test his courage. A moody, suspenseful mystery that appeals to readers who enjoy history woven into a chilling, atmospheric story.
Setting: 1960s Ohio, in a former Underground Railroad house with hidden tunnels and passages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is House of Dies Drear right for my child?
Yes — House of Dies Drear is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, 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 mystery and suspense, family and heritage, secrets and hidden history.
How long does it take to read House of Dies Drear?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, House of Dies Drear takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 68,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does House of Dies Drear have an AR quiz?
Yes — House of Dies Drear has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 House of Dies Drear?
House of Dies Drear has an AR reading level of 4.8, 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.