The Time of the Ghost
Diana Wynne Jones
The Time of the Ghost
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Diana Wynne Jones
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
There’s a ghost who doesn’t know who she is, quietly watching the four Melford sisters as they try to catch their parents’ attention. But as secrets unfold and strange powers stir, something dark and dangerous begins to creep closer. And that’s only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows four sisters whose attempt to reconnect with their distracted parents awakens a supernatural force. The story explores themes of family dynamics and identity through a mysterious ghost’s perspective. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild fantasy peril and some suspenseful moments.
Why we rated The Time of the Ghost 11LE
The Time of the Ghost is written at a Level 6 reading level across 291 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Time of the Ghost works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The Time of the Ghost 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 Time of the Ghost explores family, fantasy & magic, 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.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, fantasy & magic, mystery.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
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
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
- 9780064473545
- Pages
- 291
- Publisher
- Greenwillow Books
- Published
- September 1, 2002
- Type
- Fiction