Took: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel

This eerie graphic novel adaptation brings to life a tale of terror. When Daniel's family moves from Fairfield, CT, to Woodville, WV, they realize there is something off about the small rural town. The residents are a little rough around the edges, and the family's new house is in shambles. In addition to the decay, the property also has a dark past—the previous family's daughter vanished 50 years ago, and some townspeople say she was "took." Rumors of a long-deceased ghost witch (or "conjure woman") named Old Auntie and her devilish partner Bloody Bones frighten Daniel, yet his parents deny any mention of the tall tales. His younger sister Erica begins to hear voices beckoning her to the woods, and she takes to wandering off with her doll Little Erica. The stories say that Old Auntie kidnaps a child every 50 years, and one evening after a fight with Daniel, Erica goes missing. The narrative flows easily, and text and illustrations work together, resulting in a suspenseful read. Despite the overly digital quality to the artwork, it pairs well with the book, providing dreamlike, haunting, and at times horrifying qualities. Daniel and his family are white. VERDICT Middle grade readers will be thoroughly engaged by this terrifying graphic novel that blends folklore and mystery to create a moody treat for horror fans.—Claire Moore