The Screaming Staircase

About this book

*Follows three young operatives of a Psychic Detection Agency as they battle an epidemic of ghosts in London.* This book is part of a brilliant series for children (and parents) who love to be creeped out. It’s set in London when the city is experiencing an outbreak of ghosts who kill people if they come into contact with them. The catch: only children can see them. These stories features the kid-run ghosthunting agency, Lockwood & Co. — it’s led by the talented 14-year-old heroine Lucy Carlyle and charismatic teen Anthony Lockwood.

Similar grade-level books

• 
  To Kill a Mockingbird
  Harper Lee · 870L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  Of Mice and Men
  John Steinbeck · 630L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  The Giver
  Lois Lowry · 760L
  Get it on Amazon→
• 
  The Outsiders
  S.E. Hinton · 750L
  Get it on Amazon→

See all books like The Screaming Staircase→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Fantasy title, typically at grades 3–8. Written in the 2010s; pairs with curriculum units on ghost stories and paranormal fiction; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Nevada Young Readers' Award

  • recommended·3rd grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·4th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·5th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Nevadasource: Nevada Young Readers' Award — Nevada's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 3-83-56-): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

Common questions

What grade level is The Screaming Staircase?

The Screaming Staircase is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The Screaming Staircase?

It takes about 7h 40m to read The Screaming Staircase (418 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 460 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Screaming Staircase?

The Screaming Staircase appears on reading lists for Nevada Young Readers' Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Screaming Staircase banned in schools?

The Screaming Staircase 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 The Screaming Staircase explore?

Central themes in The Screaming Staircase include ghost stories, paranormal fiction, psychic ability, haunted houses. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.