Ghost
by Jason Reynolds
- Lexile
- 730L
- Grade range
- Grades 5–8
- Age range
- Ages 10–14
- Pages
- 192
- First published
- 2016
- Genre
- Realistic Fiction
- ISBN-13
- 9781481450157
About this book
Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw has always been running — from bullies, from his father's violence, from himself. When a track coach spots his natural speed, Ghost finds a team, a mentor, and a chance. First book in the Track series. National Book Award finalist and widely assigned in 5th-8th grade urban-setting units.
Themes
- running
- family violence
- mentorship
- identity
- teamwork
Content notes
- domestic violence
- poverty
Common Sense Media recommends age 10+.
Where this book is assigned
No curriculum assignments on file yet.
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is Ghost?
- Ghost is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 5–8, with a Lexile measure of 730L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of Ghost?
- Ghost has a Lexile measure of 730L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- Is Ghost banned in schools?
- Ghost does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does Ghost explore?
- Central themes in Ghost include running, family violence, mentorship, identity, teamwork. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.