Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1)
by R. L. Stine
Scholastic Paperbacks 2008
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sibling rivalry
- jealousy
- pranks and consequences
- supernatural
- courage
- identity and performance
- trust
- fear
About this book
Twin sisters Lindy and Kris discover ventriloquism and bring home an old dummy to practice their acts. At first it’s all fun and pranks—until strange accidents and creepy messages suggest the dummy may have a mind of its own. The tension builds as the sisters try to outdo each other and figure out what’s really happening. Fast-paced and spooky, this Goosebumps favorite hooks reluctant readers with cliffhangers and just-right scares.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1). The reading level is AR 3.7, which is typical for 3rd 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 sibling rivalry, jealousy, pranks and consequences.
How long does it take to read Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1)?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1) takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1) 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 Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1)?
Night of the Living Dummy (Classic Goosebumps #1) has an AR reading level of 3.7, which places it at a 3rd 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.