Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator
Jennifer Allison
Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Bones of the Holy
by Jennifer Allison
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
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to ghosts? In sunny St. Augustine, Gilda Joyce is about to uncover spooky secrets that hide in every corner of the city. But when those secrets touch her own family, what will she do next?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Gilda Joyce, a young psychic investigator, as she navigates her mother's remarriage and the eerie mysteries of historic St. Augustine, Florida. The story touches on themes of family change and supernatural intrigue, suitable for readers aged 9-12. Parents should note the presence of ghostly elements and mild suspense typical of detective fiction.
Why we rated Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator 11LE
Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator is written at a Level 6 reading level across 286 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator as 11LE ("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, Gilda Joyce, psychic investigator explores ghosts, mystery, psychic ability, family, and remarriage — 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 ghosts, mystery, psychic ability.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780525422129
- Pages
- 286
- Publisher
- Dutton Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction