An American ghost.
Chester Aaron
An American ghost.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Chester Aaron
The text is written at a 4th 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
The cold rush of floodwater splashes against the wooden walls, carrying away everything in its path. A boy clings to a small raft, eyes wide as a mountain lion appears beside him, both fighting to survive the wild river’s grip. Together, their journey is filled with danger and unexpected friendship that will change them forever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book tells the story of a young boy caught in a flood along the Mississippi River who forms a bond with a mountain lion as they struggle to survive. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of survival and companionship in the face of natural disaster. The story contains mild peril but is appropriate for readers ready for an adventurous and emotionally engaging narrative.
Why we rated An American ghost. 9LE
An American ghost. is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 189 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, An American ghost. works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate An American ghost. as 9LE ("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, An American ghost. explores survival, adventure, friendship, animals, and nature — 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 survival, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
- 0152030506
- Pages
- 189
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt P
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction