The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32)
by R. L. Stine
Scholastic Inc. 2018
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.2 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- identity and body swap
- friendship
- fear and paranoia
- trust
- supernatural mystery
About this book
New kid Cooper can’t shake the feeling that something is stalking him in the woods behind his house. When he and his friend Margaret start hearing eerie howls and seeing a pair of sinister dogs, harmless scares turn into a truly creepy mystery. As strange events pile up, the kids must figure out what the dogs want—and how to stop a chilling curse—before it’s too late. Fast-paced and spooky but not too scary, this Goosebumps entry hooks middle-grade readers who love twists and chills.
Setting: a small town and its surrounding woods
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32). The reading level is AR 3.2, 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 courage, identity and body swap, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32)?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32) takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32) 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 The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32)?
The Barking Ghost (Goosebumps #32) has an AR reading level of 3.2, 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.