By: Marcus Whitfield
Middle-grade readers are in for a thrilling ride with Jake C. Rudquist’s We’re All Dead Here, a ghost story told from the unique perspective of the ghosts themselves. The book poses a haunting yet playful question: What would you do if you were twelve years old and suddenly became a ghost?
Rudquist’s story follows a young protagonist navigating the afterlife while facing both supernatural and historical challenges, including elements from the Second World War. By combining adventure with history, Rudquist creates a narrative that captivates young readers while offering adults an equally engaging experience.
“I wanted to write a book that middle-grade readers could lose themselves in, but also something adults could enjoy,” Rudquist explains. “That age—around twelve—is when I most loved reading. I wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and curiosity.”
For parents encouraging reading, Rudquist emphasizes the importance of letting children choose what they read. “It doesn’t have to be a book. Comics, graphic novels, magazines, or even online articles count. The key is that they’re reading,” he says. Recalling his own childhood, Rudquist remembers being drawn to video game magazines. “I loved playing the games, but I grew to enjoy reading about them too. That’s how my love of reading started.”
Rudquist also suggests that parents help children discover books connected to their interests. In his own story, he fused two things that fascinated him as a child: the paranormal and the Second World War. “If a child is interested in sports, music, or gaming, there are books out there about those topics, both fiction and nonfiction. Reading becomes fun when it relates to something they already care about,” he notes.
One of the challenges Rudquist addresses is keeping young readers engaged long enough to finish a book. “Our attention spans are shorter than ever, for both kids and adults,” he says. He recommends discussing the story along the way: “Ask them who their favorite character is, or what’s happening to that character. My book was written so that adults can enjoy it alongside kids, which gives families a chance to check in and discuss the story together.”
By structuring the story for dual appeal, Rudquist makes reading We’re All Dead Here a shared experience. Beyond entertainment, the book encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. “Writing from a ghost’s point of view lets readers see the world differently. It teaches empathy and resilience, all while keeping the story fun and engaging,” he explains.
Historical context is another key component of the story. Rudquist intentionally incorporated real historical elements to enrich the narrative and spark interest in the past. “History and the paranormal both fascinated me as a kid,” he says. “Blending the two allows readers to explore complex ideas like life, death, and morality in a way that’s relatable and exciting.”
Humor and emotional depth are also woven into the story. While the young protagonist faces challenges beyond the ordinary, the book balances suspense with moments of levity and reflection. “Adults reading the book will find the humor, historical references, and emotional moments engaging. That dual-layer appeal helps foster a love of reading in children,” Rudquist notes.
In essence, We’re All Dead Here offers more than a ghost story. It’s a story about perspective, curiosity, and the joy of discovery. Rudquist’s narrative encourages readers to think creatively, ask questions, and engage with history, all while being entertained by the supernatural adventure unfolding on the page.
For families looking to spark a love of reading, the book offers an ideal entry point. Rudquist emphasizes the value of shared reading experiences: “When adults read alongside their kids, they model the importance of reading and create opportunities to discuss themes and ideas. That interaction can make a story memorable and transformative.”
We’re All Dead Here stands out as a unique blend of adventure, history, humor, and heart. It’s an excellent choice for middle-grade readers ready to explore the supernatural and for adults who enjoy thought-provoking storytelling.
Get your copy of We’re All Dead Here today and step into a world where the past and the supernatural collide, and where even the youngest ghosts can teach us lessons about life, courage, and imagination.
