The Bookstore Ghost
by Barbara Maitland
Penguin 2012
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- books and reading
- problem-solving
- friendship
- creativity
- community
- humor
- animals helping
About this book
Mr. Brown runs a cozy bookstore that specializes in ghost stories, but a family of lively mice keeps scaring away his customers. He asks his cat to catch them, only to find she has a more creative plan that fits a spooky bookshop perfectly. This warm, funny early reader offers gentle thrills, playful wordplay, and a love of books. Great for kids who like friendly “scares,” animal helpers, and problem-solving with a twist.
Setting: a cozy neighborhood bookstore
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bookstore Ghost right for my child?
Yes — The Bookstore Ghost is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.6, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include books and reading, problem-solving, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Bookstore Ghost?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, The Bookstore Ghost takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Bookstore Ghost have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Bookstore Ghost has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 The Bookstore Ghost?
The Bookstore Ghost has an AR reading level of 2.6, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.