Plot Summary
"Took" is a novel written by Mary Dowling Hahn that recounts the story of a 12-year-old girl named "Boo" who resides with her family in Maryland, in a house once owned by a mysterious woman reputed to be a witch (Hahn, 2014). The story sets in motion when Boo's father, facing challenges in his work, decides to relocate the family to Talbot County to take care of his ancestral home after his mother's demise. Shortly after their arrival, Boo's brother, who faces resistance to the move, triggers dark happenings during their first night in new house, including falling sick with severe cough. Every day, they continue facing these dark occurrences, which worsen after Boo's father returns for work and leaves them with a daunting caretaker. Boo's brother discovers a secret in the attic that leads them to a witch and takes them on a journey to make a deal with the devil as Boo tries to save her brother.
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Witchcraft plays a pivotal and thrilling role in this novel, adding to the tension and challenges faced by the main characters. It unveils the existence of dark forces and the supernatural in their seemingly ordinary world. The revelation of witchcraft serves as a moment of great enlightenment for Boo and her brother, as they realize the depth of the danger they have fallen into. They must navigate this newfound knowledge and confront the witch, making the story more exciting and engaging. I found the element of witchcraft in the story puzzling in a positive dimension because it establishes a riveting connection between Boo and her caretaker "Mrs. Ruth" (Hahn, 2014). Through this connection, Boo gains valuable insights and learns about her own hidden powers, forging a unique bond with Mrs. Ruth in the process. The way this bond grows and develops in tandem with Boo's understanding of witchcraft adds complexity to the characters and the plot.
I also found the relationship between Boo and Mrs. Ruth fascinating. Boo discovers that Mrs. Ruth is a witch who widens her understanding of her unique magical abilities. Through Mrs. Ruth's guidance, Boo learns to embrace her gifts and take charge of her life. This teacher-student dynamic is empowering and contributes to Boo's character development. As the story progresses, Boo grows stronger and more confident, which positively impacts her life. The challenges she faces, especially with the witch's presence, serve to transform her from a frightened girl into a resilient individual who can confront her fears.
I feel the novel by Mary Dowling Hahn addresses children's perspectives and challenges explicitly. While it incorporates elements of witchcraft and the supernatural, it does so in a way that encourages young readers to engage with their fears and uncertainties. The character of Boo confronts witches and faces dark forces, which can help children process their own fears and anxieties in a controlled and imaginative manner. The story ultimately fosters resilience and courage in young readers, allowing them to face and overcome their own challenges, even if they are not as dramatic as encountered by Boo. This balance between excitement and life lessons makes "Took" suitable for children's literature.
Reference
Hahn, M. D. (2014). Took: A Ghost Story. Clarion Books.
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