Ghostly Goalie
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Ghostly Goalie
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Have you ever found something that’s more than it seems? Four friends stumble upon a spooky old hockey puck that’s haunted by a restless spirit. Can they uncover the mystery and help the ghost find peace before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows a group of friends who discover a haunted antique hockey puck and set out to solve the spirit’s mystery. Suitable for ages 9-12, it blends themes of friendship, supernatural adventure, and teamwork without intense scares or mature content. The story encourages empathy and problem-solving through an engaging, age-appropriate plot.
Why we rated Ghostly Goalie 9LE
Ghostly Goalie is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 129 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Ghostly Goalie works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Ghostly Goalie 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, Ghostly Goalie explores friendship, supernatural, hockey, twins, and adventure — 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, supernatural, hockey.
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Ghost Game
Marcia Thornton Jones
Ghost Game
Marcia Thornton Jones
Team with the Ghost Player
Dennis Hamley
Team with the Ghost Player
Dennis Hamley
Ghost Most Foul
Patti Grayson
Ghost Most Foul
Patti Grayson
A Ghostly Business
Stephen Krensky
A Ghostly Business
Stephen Krensky
Ghost house
Paul Kropp
Ghost house
Paul Kropp
Ministry of Ghosts
Alex Shearer
Ministry of Ghosts
Alex Shearer
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781496535443
- Pages
- 129
- Publisher
- Capstone
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction