Welcome to Dead House
by R. L. Stine
Scholastic Paperbacks 2007
Book 1 of Goosebumps
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.7 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- moving/new kid
- family
- courage
- secrets and mysteries
- fear and suspense
- trust and skepticism
- supernatural/ghosts
About this book
When Amanda and her brother Josh move into a creaky old house in the town of Dark Falls, strange neighbors and shifting shadows hint that something isn’t right. As the kids explore their new home and streets, they uncover unsettling secrets that won’t stay buried. Fast-paced chapters, cliffhangers, and classic Goosebumps twists keep readers turning pages. Perfect for young horror fans who like just-scary-enough thrills without gore.
Setting: a creepy old house and the small town of Dark Falls
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Welcome to Dead House right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Welcome to Dead House. The reading level is AR 3.7, 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 moving/new kid, family, courage.
How long does it take to read Welcome to Dead House?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Welcome to Dead House takes around 2.8h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Welcome to Dead House have an AR quiz?
Yes — Welcome to Dead House 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 Welcome to Dead House?
Welcome to Dead House has an AR reading level of 3.7, 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.