Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON

book

THE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON

Ryan Douglass

Jake, a 16-year-old medium, is being haunted by the ghost of a high school shooter. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? Strong supernatural horror, bullying, racism and homophobia, graphic violence, a school-shooting backstory, death, and trauma make this better suited to mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and murdered or deceased characters are central to the plot, including disturbing circumstances and grief-related themes.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of injuries and spectral hauntings that involve blood and gore.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moderate profanity reflecting the realistic dialogue of high schoolers.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist is gay, and homophobia and queer identity are important parts of his character and conflicts.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal or incidental references to faith or spiritual beliefs.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features age-appropriate crushes and romantic feelings for the teen protagonist.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Central horror premise involving ghosts, possession, stalking, frightening imagery, threats, and sustained psychological tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, mild references to teen sexual experiences or curiosity.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to underage or peer substance use in social contexts.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated supernatural attacks, bullying, assault, and violence connected to a school-shooting backstory; threats are intense and consequential.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces supernatural danger, prejudice, grief, and trauma, with courage tied to protecting others and asserting his identity.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Uses creative, horror-based world-building to explore character growth.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on Black youth identity and the intersection of racial and sexual identity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides social commentary on contemporary youth issues.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness exists between peers, though the environment is largely harsh.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Addresses confronting prejudice, resisting abuse, seeking help, accepting identity, and refusing to let trauma define one’s choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Jake displays resilience and courage in the face of significant challenges.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating