Ghost in the Telly
Frank Rodgers
Ghost in the Telly
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Frank Rodgers
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
A crackle and a flicker buzz through the old television, filling the room with a chill that makes your skin tingle. From the dark screen, a ghostly face appears, desperate and fading fast. Can Bill find the missing telly in time to help the trapped spirit return home?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader book introduces young children to a spooky yet gentle ghost story suitable for ages 5 to 8. With simple language and an engaging plot, it encourages reading confidence while exploring themes of kindness and problem-solving. The story contains mild supernatural elements but no frightening content, making it appropriate for early elementary readers.
Why we rated Ghost in the Telly 8LE
Ghost in the Telly is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ghost in the Telly works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Ghost in the Telly as 8LE ("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, Ghost in the Telly explores friendship, adventure, horror & ghost stories, and english language early readers — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 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, adventure, horror & ghost stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
- 9780590113984
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Hippo Bks
- Published
- September 17, 1999
- Type
- Fiction