From a National Book Award finalist comes a lively new spin on the classic vampire tale. When old-world dangers threaten a race of fruit bat hybrids, where can they run to? New York City, of course! And that?s where we meet the Livingstone kids?Lexie, Hudson, and Maddy?trying to blend their ?vampireness? with the regular people of the city. Unfortunately, their vampire traits keep complicating things. Lexie?s super speed, amazing strength, and poetry-quoting habit embarrass her in front of classmates?and her secret crush. Hudson can fly and is determined to save the planet, but with a vocabulary from the wrong century, he doesn?t quite fit in. And then there?s Maddy, who has a hard time sticking to her vegetarian diet, and an even harder time convincing her siblings that their new neighbors are vampires. With all these challenges, will Lexie, Hudson, and Maddy ever be able to navigate the normal world?
Goths-in-training will be delighted with Griffin's tale of hybrid vampire–fruit bat siblings in Manhattan. Though New Yorkers will get more of the in-jokes, even those unfamiliar with the city will appreciate the adventures of 13-year-old Lexington, 11-year-old Madison, and 9-year-old Hudson. After quitting the Old World (Europe) and relinquishing some of their powers, each preserves different and fascinating vampiric and/or bat-related traits. The siblings' main goals are to rid the neighborhood of the pure-blooded vampires across the street; get the students of P.S. 42 to take recycling more seriously; and develop some social graces and make some friends. All missions are accomplished, with a twist at the end that begs for a sequel. Character development is minimal, but fang-in-cheek jokes carry the swift-moving plot. Too old for Bunnicula? Here's a cuddly, friendly vampire story with nary a (human) death. Carton, Debbie --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Adele Griffin’s critically acclaimed novels include The Other Shepards, Amandine and National Book Award Finalist Sons of Liberty. Her numerous awards and accolades include ALA Best Book for Young Adults, ALA Notable, CCBC Choice, IRA-CBC Children's Choice and Bank Street Book of the Year. She lives in New York City.
