The Ghosts of Rathburn Park
Yearling 2004
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- facing fears
- friendship
- truth vs. rumor
- empathy and understanding
- community
- family relationships
- local history
About this book
When eleven-year-old Matthew wanders into the woods of Rathburn Park, spooky rumors about ghosts suddenly feel a lot more real. As he tries to find his way out, he uncovers secrets about the park’s past and the people connected to it. With a mix of mystery and just-right chills, this story explores how courage and curiosity can turn fear into understanding. Great for readers who enjoy gently spooky adventures grounded in real-life friendships and community.
Setting: a contemporary small town centered around the wooded Rathburn Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ghosts of Rathburn Park right for my child?
Yes — The Ghosts of Rathburn Park is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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, facing fears, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Ghosts of Rathburn Park?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Ghosts of Rathburn Park takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Ghosts of Rathburn Park have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Ghosts of Rathburn Park has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Ghosts of Rathburn Park?
The Ghosts of Rathburn Park has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.