The case of the lighthouse ghost
J. F. Warner
The case of the lighthouse ghost
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by J. F. Warner
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
The Casecrackers sneak closer to the eerie lighthouse as a chilling fog rolls in. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appears, glowing faintly against the darkened sky. Who—or what—is the ghost haunting Hazard Island?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery follows a group of friends known as the Casecrackers as they investigate sightings of a ghost on Hazard Island near Newport, Rhode Island. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends suspense with themes of friendship and problem-solving, featuring mild supernatural elements without intense scares.
Why we rated The case of the lighthouse ghost 9LP
The case of the lighthouse ghost is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 120 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The case of the lighthouse ghost works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The case of the lighthouse ghost as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Thematically, The case of the lighthouse ghost explores mystery, adventure, friendship, and ghosts — 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, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0822507102
- Pages
- 120
- Publisher
- Lerner Publications
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction