The Taking
on Goodreads (14,307)
What’s inside...
Get Out meets Danielle Vega in this YA horror where survival is not a guarantee. Jake Livingston is one of the only Black kids at St. Clair Prep, one of the others being his infinitely more popular older brother. It’s hard enough fitting in but to make matters worse and definitely more complicated, Jake can see the dead. In fact he sees the dead around him all the time. Most are harmless. Stuck in their death loops as they relive their deaths over and over again, they don’t interact often with people. But then Jake meets Sawyer. A troubled teen who shot and killed six kids at a local high school last year before taking his own life. Now a powerful, vengeful ghost, he has plans for his afterlife–plans that include Jake. Suddenly, everything Jake knows about ghosts and the rules to life itself go out the window as Sawyer begins haunting him and bodies turn up in his neighborhood. High school soon becomes a survival game–one Jake is not sure he’s going to win.
Age
12-17
Length
246 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jake Livingston
Sawyer Doon
Discussion points
What do you think Flynn felt when he learned about his gift? How would you feel in his situation?
The concept of good versus evil is central in 'The Taking'. What are some ways the characters distinguish between the two?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What can we learn about friendship and trust from these changes?
What role do you think bravery plays in the book? Can you give examples of brave actions from different characters?
How does the setting influence the story? Can you imagine this story taking place somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the supernatural elements in the book and relate them to real-life fears and how they might handle them.
Discuss the importance of empathy by reflecting on how the characters understand each other’s feelings and situations.
Highlight examples of courage and ask your child about times they had to be brave, drawing parallels to the characters' experiences.
Use descriptions of the book's setting to help your child imagine and describe how they would visualize the scenes, enhancing their creative thinking.
After reading, ask your child to think about what might happen to the characters next, encouraging them to think critically and creatively about storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: In 'The Taking,' the protagonist confronts supernatural forces and personal demons. Their bravery in facing fears is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying something new, understanding that bravery can lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Taking,' the protagonist relies on friends to cope with challenges. Friendship is portrayed as a source of support and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to value and nurture friendships, learning to support and rely on others during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The book showcases diverse characters, highlighting the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diversity in their own communities and fosters inclusivity and respect for others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'The Taking' often face daunting challenges but demonstrate resilience by overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to develop resilience, learning that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles in life.