Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Among the ghosts
Amber Benson
Among the ghosts
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Amber Benson
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
I have a secret: the New Newbridge Academy hides more than just old stories. When Noh arrives for the summer, she discovers ghostly kids near a burned-out dormitory—kids no one else can see. But that's only the beginning of a mystery that only she can solve.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Among the Ghosts follows Noh, a curious girl spending summer at a gothic academy where she encounters ghost children no one else can see. This middle-grade horror story blends friendship and mystery with light supernatural elements, suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note mild spooky themes and ghostly encounters, but the story emphasizes courage and empathy.
Why we rated Among the ghosts 11LP
Among the ghosts is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 990L across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Among the ghosts works for readers up to grade 8.5.
We rate Among the ghosts as 11LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Among the ghosts explores friendship, mystery, horror, social themes, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, mystery, horror.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9781416994053
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 990L