Haunting of Aveline Jones
Phil Hickes
Haunting of Aveline Jones
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Phil Hickes
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
Aveline flips open a dusty book and freezes—the final story is mysteriously scratched out. Shadows flicker as Halloween nears, and whispers of a girl lost long ago creep closer to her. Suddenly, a chilling voice calls her name from the dark—what secret will she uncover next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery blends fantasy and detective elements as Aveline Jones investigates the decades-old disappearance of Primrose Penberthy. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes spooky themes and mild suspense appropriate for this age group. Parents should note the book contains ghostly elements and some eerie moments tied to Halloween.
Why we rated Haunting of Aveline Jones 11LE
Haunting of Aveline Jones is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Haunting of Aveline Jones works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Haunting of Aveline Jones 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Haunting of Aveline Jones explores mystery, fantasy & magic, adventure, friendship, and coming of age — 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 mystery, fantasy & magic, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" 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
- 9781474972147
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Usborne Publishing, Limited
- Published
- 2020
- Type
- Fiction