The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood
Eva Ibbotson
The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Eva Ibbotson
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
What if the ghost in your house isn’t scary at all, but just a little lonely? Imagine meeting Hiram C. Hopgood, a friendly spirit with a mystery to solve. Can you help him before the secret he guards changes everything?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows the adventures of a young protagonist who encounters a benevolent ghost named Hiram C. Hopgood. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends humor and mystery without intense scares, making it an engaging read for children developing an interest in ghost stories. The book features mild supernatural themes and encourages problem-solving and empathy.
Why we rated The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood 9LE
The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 160 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood 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 Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood explores mystery, friendship, adventure, and fantasy world-building — 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 mystery, friendship, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
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
3/10A 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
- 0333445104
- Pages
- 160
- Publisher
- Macmillan Children's Books
- Published
- May 7, 1987
- Type
- Fiction