The ghost and me, Joey
Iris M Drzewiecki
The ghost and me, Joey
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Iris M Drzewiecki
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
Joey isn’t just any kid—he’s the only one who can see the ghost of Warren Hull, a pioneer from long ago. When Joey promises to help save the old Hull House without telling a soul, he steps into a secret world where history and bravery collide. What will happen if he breaks his promise?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade historical fiction follows Joey, a young boy who encounters the ghost of Warren Hull in Lancaster, NY. Through his adventures, readers learn about pioneer life and community history while exploring themes of responsibility and personal growth. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story contains light supernatural elements and emphasizes historical appreciation.
Why we rated The ghost and me, Joey 9LE
The ghost and me, Joey is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 113 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The ghost and me, Joey works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The ghost and me, Joey 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, The ghost and me, Joey explores historical, ghosts, coming of age, family, and community — 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, ghosts, coming of age.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781878097217
- Pages
- 113
- Publisher
- Western New York Heritage Press, Inc
- Published
- 2002
- Type
- Fiction