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Took: A Ghost Story

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Mary Downing Hahn

Took

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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Super Short Summary

In Mary Downing Hahn's middle grade horror novel, Took: A Ghost Story, seventh grader Daniel moves to a rural town in West Virginia and learns about eerie folklore surrounding the woods. When his sister Erica disappears, Daniel embarks on a harrowing journey to rescue her from Old Auntie, a witch who abducts children. The narrative delves into themes of family, isolation, and courage as Daniel confronts mystical and terrifying forces to save Erica. The novel includes depictions of physical and emotional abuse.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

12,596 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Downing Hahn's Took captivates readers with its eerie atmosphere and compelling storytelling. Positive reviews highlight the engaging characters and suspenseful plot that maintains a frightful yet intriguing tone. However, some critiques mention predictable elements and a lackluster resolution. Overall, Took is praised for its chilling appeal, suitable for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Took?

Readers captivated by eerie, atmospheric tales with a historical twist will relish Took by Mary Downing Hahn. This novel appeals to fans of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series and Neil Gaiman's Coraline, blending suspense with a spine-chilling narrative perfect for middle-grade enthusiasts of horror and supernatural mysteries.

4.3

12,596 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Daniel

A seventh grader and the protagonist who grapples with major changes after his family moves from a privileged life to a rural area, adjusting to new challenges while remaining protective of his sister, Erica.

Daniel's younger sister who struggles to adapt to the family's new circumstances and becomes increasingly attached to her doll, experiencing mysterious and unsettling events.

A mysterious figure tied to local folklore, whose past becomes entwined with the present events affecting Daniel and Erica's family.

The legendary antagonist said to be a conjure woman and her fierce creature, representing eerie and malevolent forces in the story.

The parents whose ambition for a fresh start leads to unexpected strain and conflict within the family as they cope with their new reality.

A local boy living near Daniel and Erica who introduces them to the local legends and becomes an unexpected ally.

An elderly couple who build a friendship with Daniel and Erica's family, offering support and drawing on their past connections to the local lore.

An elderly woman in the community who possesses a unique understanding of the local legends and provides critical guidance.

Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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