Hangman
Benjamin, David.
Hangman
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Benjamin, David.
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
Cole races through the old school halls, the chill of ghostly whispers brushing past him. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appears, begging for help to solve a mystery buried in time. Just as Cole reaches out, something unseen grabs him—what will happen next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows Cole as he encounters restless spirits in his historic school, once a courtroom and prison. The story weaves themes of spiritualism and detective work, suitable for readers around ages 9 to 12. Parents should note the presence of ghostly elements and mild suspenseful moments.
Why we rated Hangman 9LE
Hangman is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 150 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hangman works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Hangman 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, Hangman explores spiritualism, mystery, detective, and supernatural — 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 spiritualism, mystery, detective.
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 of Ben Hargrove
Z Brewer
Ghost of Ben Hargrove
Z Brewer
Hangman's curse
Frank E. Peretti
Hangman's curse
Frank E. Peretti
Haunted
James Patterson
Haunted
James Patterson
Ghostly Terrors
Daniel Cohen, Morris L. Cohen
Ghostly Terrors
Daniel Cohen, Morris L. Cohen
Ghost stories
David Oakden
Ghost stories
David Oakden
Fall into Darkness
Christopher Pike
Fall into Darkness
Christopher Pike
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780439202725
- Pages
- 150
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2001
- Type
- Fiction