By: Evelyn Carrington
Jake C. Rudquist’s latest novel, We’re All Dead Here, offers readers a fresh twist on the classic ghost story. Unlike typical tales of haunting, Rudquist’s story is told from the perspective of the ghosts themselves, asking a question that is both playful and haunting: what would you do if you were twelve years old and suddenly found yourself a ghost?
The story follows a twelve-year-old protagonist as they navigate the challenges of the afterlife, blending the supernatural with historical intrigue, particularly during the Second World War. By pairing a youthful perspective with weighty historical moments, Rudquist creates a narrative that is at once thrilling and thought-provoking, appealing not only to middle-grade readers but also to adults who enjoy a well-crafted ghost story.
“When I wrote this book, my aim was to capture the sense of curiosity and wonder I experienced as a middle-grade reader,” Rudquist shares. “Middle grade was the age when I most loved to read, and I wanted to create a story that could captivate kids while still being interesting enough for adults to enjoy.”
One of the central themes Rudquist emphasizes is the importance of engagement in reading, especially for young readers who may not yet have discovered their favorite genres or topics. “Let your child choose what they read,” he advises. “If it’s a book, great, but it doesn’t have to be. It could be comics, graphic novels, magazines, or even online articles. The point is that they’re reading.” Rudquist reflects on his own experiences with reading, recalling that video game magazines once captured his attention: “Sure, I loved playing video games, but I grew to enjoy reading about them too. That was my entry point, and it mattered.”
For parents trying to guide reluctant readers toward books, Rudquist’s approach is rooted in connecting reading to a child’s interests. He notes, “My book incorporates two things I found fascinating at that age—the paranormal and the Second World War. If your child is interested in sports, music, or gaming, there are books that align with those passions, both fiction and nonfiction.” By tying stories to the things children already love, reading becomes less of a chore and more of an adventure.
Another challenge Rudquist addresses is sustaining a young reader’s attention long enough to finish a book, especially in an era of shrinking attention spans. His advice is practical and relationship-focused: “You can ask them who their favorite character is and what’s happening to that character. In the case of my book, I wrote it so adults can get something out of it, too. It’s possible for both you and your child to be reading at the same time, then check in with each other about the story and propel one another toward finishing the book.”
By designing the narrative to appeal to multiple age groups, Rudquist allows readers of We’re All Dead Here to create a shared experience between parent and child. This dual appeal reflects a broader philosophy: stories are effective when they spark curiosity, engagement, and discussion. In this sense, Rudquist’s work serves both as entertainment and a subtle form of educational enrichment.
The decision to include historical elements alongside supernatural ones also reinforces this philosophy. Rudquist explains, “I wanted to weave in elements that I personally found fascinating as a kid. History and the paranormal both have a natural intrigue, and combining them allows kids to explore complex ideas—like life, death, and morality—through a lens they can relate to.” By grounding fantastical elements in historical reality, he provides young readers with a sense of context while encouraging them to ask questions and think critically.
We’re All Dead Here also highlights the importance of perspective. Writing from the point of view of a ghost allows readers to experience the story through an unconventional lens. “I wanted kids to see the world in a different way,” Rudquist says. “Being a ghost changes your perception, and that can teach empathy, creativity, and resilience. Kids get to imagine what it’s like to navigate challenges they can’t directly relate to, all while being entertained.”
For adults, the book offers an additional layer of enjoyment. The story’s humor, emotional depth, and historical references provide an engaging reading experience for parents who might share the book with their children. Rudquist sees this dual-layer approach as key to encouraging a lifelong love of reading: “When adults read alongside their kids, they model the value of reading and create opportunities to talk about themes and ideas together. That interaction can make a story memorable and transformative.”
In We’re All Dead Here, Rudquist successfully balances suspense, humor, and historical context, all through the eyes of characters navigating extraordinary circumstances. It is a story designed not only to captivate young readers but also to inspire them to explore history, think creatively, and reflect on personal choices.
For families searching for a book that combines adventure, mystery, and emotional resonance, We’re All Dead Here is a compelling choice. As Rudquist himself emphasizes, reading should be a shared, enjoyable, and curiosity-driven activity. By fostering that engagement, the book has the potential to ignite a lasting love of stories for readers of all ages.
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.
