The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets)
Frank Asch
The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Frank Asch
Illustrated by John Kanzler
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Crunchy leaves rustle under tiny paws as Jake and Molly scurry through the old school halls. Strange shadows flicker and a soft ghostly squeak floats in the air, making Jake shiver while Molly's heart feels warm with new friends. What secrets will the ghostly hamster Gino share, and can Jake find the courage to call this haunted school home?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader story follows siblings Jake and Molly as they explore the possibility of living in a school inhabited by friendly and spooky pets. Suitable for ages 5-8, it gently addresses themes of fear, friendship, and adapting to new environments with light supernatural elements. The book is appropriate for young readers and contains mild peril from animal encounters and a ghost, all presented in a comforting way.
Why we rated The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets) 8LE
The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets) is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets) works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate The Ghost of P.S. 42 (Class Pets) as 8LE ("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 of P.S. 42 (Class Pets) explores ghosts, pets, friendship, school & education, and children: grades 3-4 — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about ghosts, pets, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LE — 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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689846526
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- August 1, 2003
- Type
- Fiction