Trapped in Room 217
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Trapped in Room 217
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Illustrated by Ivy, Maggie, illustrator
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The creak of old floorboards and the chill of a cold breeze sneak through the walls of Room 217. Jayla can almost smell the dust and forgotten stories lurking in the shadows of the Stanley Hotel. Every night, a mysterious ghost appears—what secret does it want to share, and what will happen when Jayla dares to stop it?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade horror fiction follows Jayla Walters as she encounters a ghost haunting her hotel room in the historic Stanley Hotel. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes spooky themes and mild suspense appropriate for young readers interested in ghost stories. Parents should note the presence of ghostly encounters but no graphic content.
Why we rated Trapped in Room 217 9LP
Trapped in Room 217 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 132 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Trapped in Room 217 works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Trapped in Room 217 as 9LP ("Light — Physical") 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.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Trapped in Room 217 explores hotels, ghosts, horror stories, adventure, 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 hotels, ghosts, horror stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Trapped in Bat Wing Hall
Robert Lawrence Stine
Trapped in Bat Wing Hall
Robert Lawrence Stine
Trick Or...Trapped!
Robert Lawrence Stine
Trick Or...Trapped!
Robert Lawrence Stine
Room of doom
M. C. King
Room of doom
M. C. King
The twisted room
Janet Patton Smith
The twisted room
Janet Patton Smith
Room 13
Robert Swindells
Room 13
Robert Swindells
Trapped in the secret passage
Dieter B. Kabus
Trapped in the secret passage
Dieter B. Kabus
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781631632150
- Pages
- 132
- Publisher
- Jolly Fish Press
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction