The Ghost in the Noonday Sun
Sid Fleischman
The Ghost in the Noonday Sun
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sid Fleischman
Illustrated by Peter Sis
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Oliver clings to the swaying mast as the Bloody Hand cuts through stormy waves, pirates shouting all around him. Suddenly, a chilling ghostly figure appears on deck—Gentleman Jack, haunting the ship in search of his lost treasure. Can Oliver outsmart the pirates and escape the ghost's eerie grip?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows Oliver Finch, a boy born at midnight who is believed to have the ability to see ghosts. Kidnapped by a ruthless pirate captain, Oliver faces danger from a mutinous crew and supernatural sea spirits while trying to find his way home. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story contains mild peril and suspense typical of pirate adventures.
Why we rated The Ghost in the Noonday Sun 11MP
The Ghost in the Noonday Sun is written at a Level 6 reading level across 256 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Ghost in the Noonday Sun works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Ghost in the Noonday Sun as 11MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, The Ghost in the Noonday Sun explores adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship, and mystery — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780061345029
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Harper Collins
- Published
- April 10, 2007
- Type
- Fiction