The phantom of Fonthill Park
Kay R. Vernon
The phantom of Fonthill Park
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kay R. Vernon
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
Have you ever heard about the mysterious phantom haunting Fonthill Park? Shadows flicker and secrets whisper beneath the moonlight, where no one dares to wander alone. What hidden story lies behind the ghostly figure that everyone fears?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade gothic romance weaves a mysterious tale suitable for children aged 9 to 12. It features suspenseful elements and atmospheric settings that engage young readers without intense scares or mature content. Parents should note the story’s focus on mystery and subtle supernatural themes.
Why we rated The phantom of Fonthill Park 9LE
The phantom of Fonthill Park is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 184 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The phantom of Fonthill Park works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The phantom of Fonthill Park 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 phantom of Fonthill Park explores mystery, friendship, and gothic romance — 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 mystery, friendship, gothic romance.
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
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0385123841
- Pages
- 184
- Publisher
- Doubleday
- Published
- 1976
- Type
- Fiction