It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!)
Meredith Costain
It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Meredith Costain
Illustrated by Craig Smith
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Ghosts aren’t just spooky stories—they’re real, and they can get downright grumpy! Discover strange hauntings and eerie encounters that prove the paranormal is more than just your imagination. These chilling tales might just change the way you see the shadows around you.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader nonfiction book introduces children aged 5-8 to various stories and reports about paranormal events and hauntings. It encourages curiosity about unexplained phenomena while using accessible language suitable for young readers. Parents should note that some stories may be spooky but are presented in a way appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!) 8LT
It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 88 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!) as 8LT ("Light — Thematic") 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, It's True! Hauntings Happen and Ghosts Get Grumpy (It's True!) explores juvenile nonfiction, unexplained phenomena, and body, mind & spirit — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about juvenile nonfiction, unexplained phenomena, body, mind & spirit.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LT — Light — ThematicLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781554510221
- Pages
- 88
- Publisher
- Annick Press
- Published
- September 12, 2006
- Type
- Nonfiction