What reading level is Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark?

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark by Brandon Terrell is at a Level 4 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark appropriate for?

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LE (Light — Emotional). Content flags: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.

What genre is Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark?

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark is fiction — Juvenile Fiction. Part of the Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia; Michael Dahl Presents series.

Does Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark have any content warnings?

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark has a HootRating of 9LE (Light — Emotional). Content flags include: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark?

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark by Brandon Terrell is 72 pages (approximately 5,934 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark

Brandon Terrell

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

A Tale of Terror

by Brandon Terrell

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia; Michael Dahl Presents

Reading Level 4 9LE Ages 9-12 Matched Page-Turner

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.

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About This Book

Malik Jackson is nervous about exploring a spooky, abandoned mansion, especially since he’s scared of the dark. But when a girl he likes joins the adventure, he must face his fears and discover that the shadows hold more than just darkness. This thrilling tale will keep readers on the edge of their seats as Malik uncovers what really lurks in the night.

Themes

Friendship Adventure Coming of AgeHorror

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, fear & anxiety. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark 9LE

Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark is written at a Level 4 reading level across 72 pages (approximately 5,934 words). Strong independent readers around grade 5.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark works for readers up to grade 6.0.

Read aloud, Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark takes about 40 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark 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.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fear & Anxiety.

Thematically, Michael Dahl Presents: Phobia #2 Haunted Dark explores friendship, adventure, coming of age, and horror — 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.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, adventure, coming of age.