The Ghost of Slappy
by R. L. Stine
Scholastic Paperbacks 2018
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.6 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- supernatural hauntings
- pranks and mischief
- responsibility and consequences
- courage
- sibling rivalry
- friendship and trust
- standing up for yourself
About this book
When Shep brings home a mysterious ventriloquist dummy, strange pranks and creepy messages start ruining his life—and everyone thinks he’s to blame. Soon Shep realizes he isn’t dealing with an ordinary doll but the ghost of Slappy, a mischievous spirit who loves causing chaos. To save his friendships and his reputation, Shep has to uncover Slappy’s secrets and find a way to stop the haunting. Fast-paced chapters, spooky humor, and classic Goosebumps twists make this a fun scare for middle-grade readers.
Setting: contemporary suburban neighborhood and middle school
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ghost of Slappy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Ghost of Slappy. The reading level is AR 3.6, 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 supernatural hauntings, pranks and mischief, responsibility and consequences.
How long does it take to read The Ghost of Slappy?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Ghost of Slappy takes around 2.7h to finish. The book has 22,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Ghost of Slappy have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Ghost of Slappy 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 Ghost of Slappy?
The Ghost of Slappy has an AR reading level of 3.6, 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.