
Real Ghosts
by Daniel Cohen
Putnam 1992
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- paranormal investigation
- skepticism vs. belief
- mystery of the unknown
- folklore and legend
- history and culture
- critical thinking
- fear and curiosity
About this book
Real Ghosts collects famous hauntings, eerie encounters, and puzzling phenomena from around the world, presented in clear, engaging chapters. Daniel Cohen invites readers to weigh the evidence, consider natural explanations, and decide what they believe. It’s perfect for curious middle-grade readers who like true mysteries with a spooky edge but not too much gore. Short sections, photos, and a balanced tone make it both creepy and thought-provoking.
Setting: Real-world locations across different times and cultures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Real Ghosts right for my child?
Yes — Real Ghosts is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, 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 paranormal investigation, skepticism vs. belief, mystery of the unknown.
How long does it take to read Real Ghosts?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Real Ghosts takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 29,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Real Ghosts have an AR quiz?
Yes — Real Ghosts has an AR quiz available, worth 5 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 Real Ghosts?
Real Ghosts has an AR reading level of 7.2, 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.