Ghost of Black's Island
Mark Mulligan
Ghost of Black's Island
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Mark Mulligan
Illustrated by Vic Zorn
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
The sharp crash of waves and the salty breeze fill the air as two groups of boys arrive at a deserted island for summer camp. But the camp is closed, and a fierce hurricane is rolling in. Strange gadgets, secret smuggling, and a ghostly captain lurking in the shadows set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Set on a remote island off the Florida coast, this middle-grade novel combines adventure, mystery, and mild supernatural elements. The story involves two rival groups of boys, a smuggling plot, and encounters with the U.S. Coast Guard, making it suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the themes of conflict and suspense, but the content remains appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Ghost of Black's Island 9MP
Ghost of Black's Island is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 196 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ghost of Black's Island works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ghost of Black's Island as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Ghost of Black's Island explores adventure, friendship, horror & ghost stories, and mystery — 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 adventure, friendship, horror & ghost stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781882444014
- Pages
- 196
- Publisher
- Boulevard Books
- Published
- January 15, 1993
- Type
- Fiction