By: Clara Donovan
Middle-grade readers looking for a story that blends adventure, history, and the supernatural will find a thrilling escape in Jake C. Rudquist’s We’re All Dead Here. Told from the unique perspective of ghosts, the novel asks a question that’s both eerie and compelling: what would you do if you were twelve and suddenly became a ghost?
Rudquist, drawing on his own childhood love of reading, created a book designed to captivate younger audiences while still offering enjoyment for adults. “I wrote it for middle-grade readers because that was the age I most loved reading,” he says. “But I also made it interesting enough for adults, so it can be shared across generations.”
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to engage readers on multiple levels. Parents who want to inspire a love of reading are advised to let children choose their own books. “It doesn’t have to be a traditional book. Comics, magazines, even online articles count,” Rudquist notes. “The important thing is getting them reading. I started with video game magazines, and that led to a lifelong love of books.”
The story draws on the protagonist’s fascination with two themes that captivated Rudquist as a child: the paranormal and the Second World War. By blending these elements, the author ensures readers are entertained while subtly encouraging curiosity about history. “If a child loves sports, music, or gaming, there’s a book for that. The key is connecting reading to what they already care about,” he explains.
Keeping young readers engaged is a challenge Rudquist is keenly aware of. He suggests that parents discuss the story with their children as they read. “Ask them about their favorite character or what’s happening in the story,” he says. “I wrote the book so that adults can enjoy it too, which makes it easy for families to read together and discuss the plot.”
Rudquist’s storytelling style combines suspense, humor, and emotional depth. The young ghost protagonist faces challenges that test bravery and problem-solving skills, yet the story also includes moments of levity and reflection. “Writing from the ghosts’ point of view allows readers to see the world in a new way,” Rudquist says. “It’s entertaining, but it also teaches empathy and perspective.”
History plays a subtle but meaningful role in the book. Rudquist integrated authentic historical elements to give the story a sense of realism while providing readers with context about life during the Second World War. This combination of historical detail and supernatural adventure makes the novel both educational and immersive.
The book’s dual appeal—captivating young readers while offering adults depth and humor—makes it a standout choice for families. “Reading together gives children a model for how fun and engaging books can be,” Rudquist notes. “It also creates an opportunity for discussion, which can make reading more meaningful and memorable.”
Ultimately, We’re All Dead Here is more than a ghost story. It’s a tale about curiosity, imagination, and discovery. Rudquist encourages readers to explore the unknown, question perspectives, and engage with history—all while being thoroughly entertained by the adventures of a young ghost navigating a world he never expected to inhabit.
For families searching for a story that inspires both excitement and reflection, this book is an ideal choice. It’s an excellent choice for middle-grade readers ready for adventure and for adults who enjoy clever, thought-provoking storytelling.
Get your copy of We’re All Dead Here today and step into a captivating world where the past and the supernatural collide, and where even the youngest ghosts can teach us valuable lessons about life, courage, and imaginative storytelling.
