The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries)
Cynthia C. DeFelice
The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cynthia C. DeFelice
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Allie, known for her knack with spirits, hopes for a quiet summer but soon encounters a mysterious ghost disrupting her town’s pageant rehearsals. Together with her best friend Dub, she unravels a hidden story about the troubled past between settlers and the Seneca people. Their discovery leads to a powerful message about history and friendship that echoes through time.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, historical conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) 10LP
The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 192 pages (approximately 34,653 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.2 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) works for readers up to grade 7.2.
Read aloud, The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) runs about 3.9 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) as 10LP ("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, Historical Conflict.
Thematically, The Ghost of Poplar Point (Ghost Mysteries) explores historical, mystery, friendship, social justice, and multicultural — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, mystery, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LP — 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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Ghost of Soda Creek
Ann Walsh
The Ghost of Soda Creek
Ann Walsh
Ghost of Whispering Rock
Nancy Robinson
Ghost of Whispering Rock
Nancy Robinson
The Ghost of Colby Drive
Kristin Groulx
The Ghost of Colby Drive
Kristin Groulx
The Ghost of Graylock
Dan Poblocki
The Ghost of Graylock
Dan Poblocki
Ghost of Nighthawk (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan.
Ghost of Nighthawk (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan.
The Girl and the Ghost
Hanna Alkaf
The Girl and the Ghost
Hanna Alkaf
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780374325404
- Pages
- 192
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
- Published
- August 21, 2007
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 34,653
- Read-Aloud
- ~3h 51m
- Text Density
- Standard