The ghost of rabbits past
John R. Erickson
The ghost of rabbits past
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John R. Erickson
Illustrated by Holmes, Gerald L., illustrator
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
Hank races through the dusty yard, ears perked, heart pounding. The coyotes have snatched Drover, and Hank knows time is running out. Can he track them down before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Hank the Cowdog as he embarks on a daring rescue mission after coyotes kidnap his friend Drover. Suitable for children ages 9-12, the story offers adventure and problem-solving without graphic content, making it engaging yet appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The ghost of rabbits past 9LP
The ghost of rabbits past is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 720L across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The ghost of rabbits past works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The ghost of rabbits past 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.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The ghost of rabbits past explores adventure, friendship, and juvenile fiction — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, friendship, juvenile fiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9781591882626
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Hank the Cowdog (Hardcover)
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 720L