Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary)
Anne E. Schraff
Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Anne E. Schraff
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The sharp scent of autumn leaves mixes with the faint echo of footsteps down the empty school hall. Basil’s eyes gleam with secrets as whispers swirl—could he be the mysterious avenger everyone’s been talking about? Feel the chill of mystery and the pull of courage as the truth waits just around the corner.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Haunting of Hawthorne by Anne E. Schraff is a young adult contemporary novel centered around Basil, a new student with a mysterious aura at Hawthorne High. The story explores themes of identity and bravery, with some references to epilepsy, making it suitable for readers aged 13 and up. Parents should note the book contains mild suspense and emotional moments appropriate for middle to high school readers.
Why we rated Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary) 9LE
Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary) is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 125 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary) works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary) 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, Haunting of Hawthorne (Passages Hi: Lo Novels: Contemporary) explores mystery, coming of age, friendship, epilepsy, and identity & self-discovery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, coming of age, friendship.
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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780812469325
- Pages
- 125
- Publisher
- Perfection Learning
- Published
- August 1978
- Type
- Fiction