The Haunted School
Kyril Bonfiglioli
The Haunted School
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kyril Bonfiglioli
The text is written at a 6th 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
The creak of old floorboards echoes through the empty halls, and the chilly breeze carries whispers no one can explain. In a wild, untamed part of Australia, Fanny Crowe is determined to start a new school in a house that locals say is haunted. But will her courage be enough to face the mysteries lurking in the shadows?
Quick Assessment
Set in nineteenth-century Australia, this middle-grade novel follows Fanny Crowe as she tries to open a school in a house rumored to be haunted. The story gently explores themes of superstition, courage, and community, appropriate for readers aged 9 to 12. There is a historical backdrop that provides context without intense content, making it suitable for young readers interested in fiction with a historical setting.
Why we rated The Haunted School 11LE
The Haunted School is written at a Level 6 reading level across 216 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Haunted School works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Haunted School as 11LE ("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 Haunted School explores historical, adventure, family, and mystery — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about historical, adventure, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780140321500
- Pages
- 216
- Publisher
- Puffin
- Published
- April 1, 1988
- Type
- Fiction