The supernatural in fiction.
Leo P. Kelley
The supernatural in fiction.
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Leo P. Kelley
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Did you know that ghost stories don’t just scare us—they tell secrets about the world beyond? From eerie English tales to spooky American legends, these stories hold mysteries you’ve never heard before. But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores ghost stories from English and American traditions, introducing young readers to supernatural themes through engaging narratives. Suitable for ages 9-12, it offers a captivating look at folklore and the supernatural without graphic content or intense scares.
Why we rated The supernatural in fiction. 12C
The supernatural in fiction. is written at a Level 7 reading level across 313 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The supernatural in fiction. works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate The supernatural in fiction. as 12C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The supernatural in fiction. explores ghost stories, supernatural, english literature, and american literature — 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, supernatural, english literature.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
- 0070334978
- Pages
- 313
- Publisher
- Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
- Published
- 1973
- Type
- Fiction