Show Notes
The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass is a story of Jake, who can see ghosts and Sawyer, the ghost of a school shooter. Dani, Sora, Annika take on this heavy YA horror novel. Representation helps us to not feel alone and for queer kids of color, this novel gives a voice to a population underrepresented in stories.
CW: School shooting, sexual assault, and racism
If you're interested in reading The Taking of Jake Livingston after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!
More from Reading the Rainbow
Recorded at the Dauphin County Library System's Rainbow Makers' Fair on 6/20/26, Amber interviews makers and attendees to find out their favorite queer books and tropes!
Reflecting on how far books have come in LGBTQ+ representation since they were kids, Ben and Jamie discuss some of the books that made an impact on them in their journeys.
The truly riveting Meg Day joins cohosts Ben and Samantha in this episode as they discuss Day's book, Last Psalm at Sea Level. Meg describes their inspiration for this breathtaking collection of poetry , from Donne and deafness, to simply wanting to be seen for who you are. An hour has never gone by so quickly! If you're interested in reading Last Psalm at Sea Level after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!
If you've ever wished for an early 20th century book that combines capitalism with a lavender marriage and a winking narration style, Olivia Wolfgang-Smith's Mutual Interest should be on the top of your TBR pile!