Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The ghostfaces
John Flanagan
The ghostfaces
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by John Flanagan
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.
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About This Book
What if a fierce storm swept you far from home to a strange land where nobody seems to be around? Imagine being part of a brave crew that saves two kids from a giant bear and earns the friendship of a mysterious tribe. But just as peace settles, a terrifying tribe with ghostly painted faces returns, ready to bring war—can the Herons protect their new friends?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade adventure follows a group of young Skandian friends who, after being blown off course by a storm, discover a mysterious land and form an alliance with a local tribe. Themes of courage, friendship, and teamwork are central as they prepare to face a threatening enemy tribe. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book contains mild peril and action but remains appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated The ghostfaces 10LE
The ghostfaces is written at a Level 5-6 reading level with a Lexile measure of 890L across 383 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 6.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The ghostfaces works for readers up to grade 7.5.
We rate The ghostfaces as 10LE ("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 ghostfaces explores courage, adventure, friendship, seafaring life, and pirates — 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 courage, adventure, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9780399163579
- Pages
- 383
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 890L