The ghostmobile
Kathy Kennedy Tapp
The ghostmobile
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kathy Kennedy Tapp
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
Ryan races through the tall, whispering cornfields, heart pounding as ghostly figures flicker just beyond sight. His siblings shout warnings, but the ghosts are closer than ever—what secret keeps them trapped here? Suddenly, a chilling breeze sweeps past, and everything goes silent.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction features Ryan and his siblings as they encounter and help free two ghosts trapped in a Wisconsin cornfield. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story combines gentle supernatural elements with themes of family teamwork and courage. The ghostly content is mild and appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated The ghostmobile 9LE
The ghostmobile is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 151 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The ghostmobile works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The ghostmobile as 9LE ("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 ghostmobile explores ghost stories, family, adventure, and children's 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 ghost stories, family, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590434416
- Pages
- 151
- Publisher
- Scholastic Paperbacks
- Published
- 1987
- Type
- Fiction