A Whisper in the Night
Joan Aiken
A Whisper in the Night
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Tales of Terror and Suspense
by Joan Aiken
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Here's a secret: ordinary nights can hide the most extraordinary surprises. Imagine meeting ghosts, strange shadows, and mysterious whispers just when you least expect them—but that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This collection features thirteen captivating stories where everyday life meets the supernatural, designed for readers aged 9 to 12. Each tale offers a mix of mystery and mild suspense suitable for middle-grade readers, encouraging imagination without intense fear or graphic content.
Why we rated A Whisper in the Night 11LE
A Whisper in the Night is written at a Level 6 reading level across 203 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A Whisper in the Night works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A Whisper in the Night as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A Whisper in the Night explores mystery, supernatural, adventure, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, supernatural, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780440201854
- Pages
- 203
- Publisher
- Laurel Leaf
- Published
- September 1, 1988
- Type
- Fiction