
Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the exhaustion of code-switching, the weight of systemic racism, or the feeling of being an outsider in their own community. It is a powerful choice for older adolescents who are navigating their identity as Black or queer individuals while managing the pressures of academic environments where they feel unseen or targeted. This supernatural horror novel follows Jake, a medium who sees the dead, as he balances a burgeoning romance with the terrifying haunting of a school shooter's ghost. Beyond the scares, the book explores the deep emotional toll of social isolation and the courage required to claim one's own space. It is a sophisticated, intense read that validates the anger and resilience of marginalized youth. Because of its graphic depictions of past violence and systemic bias, it serves best as a catalyst for deep conversations about mental health and social justice.
Strong language consistent with realistic young adult fiction.
Body horror and frightening supernatural hauntings throughout.
Graphic descriptions of a past school shooting and physical altercations.
Graphic depictions of school shootings and gun violence, suicide, self-harm, child abuse (physical and emotional), intense bullying, racial slurs, and racial profiling by school security.
A mature high schooler who feels marginalized or invisible in their academic environment. It is particularly suited for fans of social horror who want to see the real-world horrors of racism and school violence addressed through a supernatural lens.
Parents should be aware that the book contains graphic descriptions of a school shooting and its aftermath. Chapters featuring Sawyer's perspective are particularly dark and deal with abuse and suicidal ideation. It is recommended to read this alongside your teen to discuss the heavy themes of mental health and the specific instances of racism depicted in the book, such as the disproportionate punishment Jake receives compared to his white peers. A parent might hear their teen expressing profound exhaustion with "fitting in" or reporting instances of teachers and peers making racist remarks or unfairly disciplining them.
This book is strictly for older teens (14 plus). A 14-year-old may focus on the supernatural thriller aspects, while an 18-year-old will likely better grasp the nuanced critique of how institutions fail Black boys and the cycle of violence.
This novel stands out by masterfully weaving the literal ghosts of a haunting with the metaphorical ghosts of racism and trauma. It refuses to sanitize the reality of experiencing racism and homophobia in a hostile environment, making the horror feel both supernatural and urgently grounded. """
Jake Livingston is a teenage medium who is constantly surrounded by the "loops" of the dead repeating their final moments. While navigating racist microaggressions at his private school and a new crush on a boy named Allister, Jake is targeted by the vengeful ghost of Sawyer Doon. Sawyer was a school shooter who killed six people before taking his own life, and he now seeks to possess Jake to continue his violence in the physical world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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