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Cover of Ghost

Age rating and parents' guide:Ghost

by Jason Reynolds

Ages 12–14

Ghost by Jason Reynolds is best for children aged 12–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Difficult family backstory (gun incident referenced).

Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw has been running for the wrong reasons ever since a terrifying night with his father. When an Olympic medallist track coach spots his raw natural speed, Ghost earns a place on an elite youth running team. To stay on track, he must learn to control his fiery temper and face the traumatic memories he has been trying to outrun. Readers are drawn to Ghost's humorous, honest voice, the high-energy sports action, and the genuine warmth of teammates who support one another through tough times.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Difficult family backstory (gun incident referenced)

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the Track series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Reading mood

  • Playful

Books like Ghost

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  • Cover of Heat

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    Twelve-year-old Michael Arroyo is an incredible Little League pitcher with a fastball that seems impossible for his age. Living in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, Michael and his older brother are secretly surviving on their own after the sudden death of their father, terrified of being separated by social services. When rival coaches demand proof of his age, Michael faces losing the sport he loves. It is an engaging, fast-paced sports drama filled with tense baseball action, loyalty, and heart that resonates strongly with young sports enthusiasts.

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  • Cover of Football Genius

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    Ages 9–14

    Wonderstruck

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    Ages 9–14

    Holes

    by Louis Sachar

    Stanley Yelnats is plagued by bad luck, thanks to a curse placed on his great-great-grandfather. Sent to Camp Green Lake, a brutal juvenile detention facility in the middle of a dried-up desert lake bed, boys are forced to dig one five-foot hole every day. Stanley soon suspects the cruel Warden is secretly hunting for buried treasure. With clever, interlocking timelines and a dry, witty narrative voice, this absorbing story balances hardship with humor and deep friendship.

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    Ages 12–14

    The War That Saved My Life

    by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

    Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room London flat because her cruel mother is ashamed of her clubfoot. When children are evacuated to the countryside during World War II, Ada sneaks away with her little brother Jamie. In a quiet seaside village, they are taken in by Susan Smith, a reluctant guardian dealing with her own grief. Ada learns to ride a pony, read, and trust adults for the first time. It is an emotional, empowering story about resilience and found family.

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On these book lists

  • Books for 13 year olds
  • Sports books for kids

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Ghost for?
Ghost suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is Ghost appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Difficult family backstory (gun incident referenced).
Q: Is Ghost part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Track series. If your child enjoys it, the other Track books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Ghost?
Try Travel Team, Heat and Football Genius. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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