City of Ghosts (2021) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: City of Ghosts
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)
Author: V.E. Schwab

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined. #1 NYT bestselling author Victoria Schwab delivers a thrillingly spooky and action-packed tale of hauntings, history, mystery, and the bond between friends (even if that friend is a ghost . . .)

Middle Grade • 2021 • 304 pages • Lexile 660L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)

by V.E. Schwab

4.4

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

10+

City of Ghosts is a middle-grade supernatural adventure that is ideal for readers ages 10+ who enjoy spooky atmosphere without extreme gore. The story follows Cassidy Blake, a girl who can see ghosts, as she travels to Edinburgh and encounters a malevolent spirit known as the Raven in Red. While there is no sexual content or strong profanity, the book features moderate peril, descriptions of how ghosts died (including a drowning and a… Sign up for the full guide

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Is City of Ghosts appropriate for kids?

Content severity in City of Ghosts

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Moderate 3/10

What happens in City of Ghosts, moment by moment

p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
p. 28 💬 Language 1/10
p. 45 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10

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Sex and nudity in City of Ghosts

There is no sexual content or nudity present in this story. As the book focuses strictly on a supernatural mystery and the protagonist's friendships, it contains no romantic subplots or suggestive dialogue. The tone remains entirely appropriate for a middle-grade audience throughout the trip to Edinburgh. Cassidy's interactions with Jacob and Lara are platonic and centered on the mechanics of the ghost world. There are no scenes of attraction, kissing, or physical intimacy between characters.

Violence and gore in City of Ghosts

Moderate for the genre. The story contains spooky imagery and ghosts with visible injuries from their deaths, such as a man with a purple 'rope-burn' neck from being hanged and a girl reliving a fatal fire. A primary antagonist, the Raven in Red, is a soul-stealing spirit who attempts to drain the life force from Cassidy. A character is nearly drowned in a freezing river, and several scenes involve physical grappling with spirits in the 'In-Between.' The climax features a desperate struggle where Cassidy is…

Language in City of Ghosts

Very mild. Usage is limited to infrequent insults like 'stupid,' 'jerk,' or mild exclamations like 'oh my god.' There are no profanities, vulgarities, or coarse anatomical references used by the characters. Occasionally, historical figures or aggressive ghosts might use slightly more forceful but still age-appropriate language to express anger. The overall vocabulary is sophisticated for its level but stays firmly within the bounds of traditional middle-grade fiction standards.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in City of Ghosts

Minimal and age-appropriate. Cassidy's parents, who host a paranormal investigation show, are shown drinking wine or ale during dinner at local Edinburgh pubs and eateries. There is no intoxication, and the alcohol consumption is portrayed as a routine, social part of their adult lives while traveling abroad. Jacob and Cassidy do not consume any substances, though they often discuss the 'feeling' of being in the veil. No drugs or tobacco products are mentioned or used by any of the characters in the book.

Mature themes in City of Ghosts

Death and the afterlife are central themes, as the protagonist deals with her own near-death experience and her friendship with a ghost. Other themes include bravery, the importance of rules, and the burden of keeping secrets from parents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Ghosts appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests City of Ghosts is best for ages 10+. City of Ghosts is a middle-grade supernatural adventure that is ideal for readers ages 10+ who enjoy spooky atmosphere without extreme gore. The story follows Cassidy Blake, a girl who can see ghosts, as she travels to…

What age rating does City of Ghosts have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. City of Ghosts is published for a Middle Grade audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What reading level is City of Ghosts?

City of Ghosts is 304 pages and its reading level is Lexile 660L (roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 10+.

What is City of Ghosts about?

Is there sex or nudity in City of Ghosts?

How violent is City of Ghosts?

Is the language in City of Ghosts appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in City of Ghosts?

What mature themes appear in City of Ghosts?

Where can I read the full City of Ghosts parent guide?

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