Vampire books are Donna Rosenblum's specialty. So much so, that she's considered SLJ's expert reviewer on the subject. We caught up with the media specialist at Floral Park Memorial High School in Floral Park, NY, to find out what else--besides "Twilight"--is hot and why kids think vampire books are so banging.
What's the appeal of vampire books for kids and teens?
I think there are many reasons that this genre is so appealing. Vampires are young, beautiful, super strong, immortal and virtually indestructible. They are living history, having spanned generations and experienced events that humans could never understand. Most teens love the noble and moral vampire, the one with a soul (eg. the Cullens) who have risen above the evil side of vampirism.
Does that apply to older teens, too?
Older teens enjoy a more romance story over friendship, gore, and blatant evil. True Blood instead of The LittleVampire.
How popular were vampire novels when you started reviewing them?
I believe this genre was always popular (eg. Buffy and Angel), but now "Twilight" is a household term. When I began reviewing, "Twilight" was already out there, but the craze was not in full swing yet. I would say 2008 was the year when vampire and werewolf novels really sank their teeth into the market. Breaking Dawn (Little, Brown) was released in August 2008, and the Twilight movie came out in December 2008. They were the icing on the cake, so to speak, and put the vampire craze over the top.
To give you an example, in November 2008, I had vampire author Claudia Gray of the "Evernight" series speak for my annual Floral Park READS program. When I was booktalking her book to a class and mentioned Twilight, a student asked "What's Twilight?" A boy in the class responded with "You don't know Twilight! My 52-year-mother is reading Twilight-where have you been!"
Are they still just as popular now?
Absolutely!!!! I know there has been some Twilight backlash, but true fans of the genre have stayed loyal. What is really great is that many authors are very creative with their vampire/werewolf stories, and I enjoy the different spins on the mythology. In many ways each story becomes unique so I don't get tired of them.
Apart from Twilight, what are some hot titles for kids these days?
"The Vampire Diaries" (HarperTeen) series was put on the map by the TV series. The "House of Night" (St. Martin's) series by Kristen and PC Cast; the "Vampire Academy" (Razorbill) series by Richelle Mead; the "Evernight" (HarperTeen) series by Claudia Gray; and the "Vampire Kisses" (Katerine Tegen Bks.) series by Ellen Schrieber
When do kids typically start showing an interest in reading vampire books?
I think girls are interested younger because of the romance in many vampire stories. Around 10 or 11 (years old). Sixth grade-ish.
Can you recommend some titles for a child's first exposure to vampire books?
For the fourth or fifth graders, I would start with: the "Bunnicula" (S & S) series by James Howe; the "Secrets of Dripping Fang" (Harcourt) series by Dan Greenberg; "Arramenta Spookie" (HarperCollins) series by Angie Sage; and "Vampire Island" (Putnam) series by Adele Griffin
Any interesting suggestions for those who are already fans of the genre?
Here are some books with a different spin on things: Infinite Days (Macmilln) by Rebecca Maizel; Need (Bloomsbury) by Carrie Jones; The Tear Collector (Walker) by Patrick Jones; Intertwined (Harlequin Teen) by Gena Showalter; Crave (S & S) by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz; Sisters Red (Little, Brown) by Jackson Pierce; Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; and Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why do more girls read vampire novels?
I think the romantic aspect of the vampire books has always been the draw for girls. Being young and beautiful forever.
What are some great vampire novels for boys?
Some good books for boys would be: The "Chronicles of Vladimir Tod" series by Heather Brewer; Vampire High (Delacorte) by Doug Rees; Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising (HarperTeen) by Jason Henderson; Wolven (Chicken House) by Di Toft; and the "Cirque de Freak" series by Darren Shan. These books have a boy protagonist and are totally action driven. Romance is not a dominant theme, even though it is in the background in some stories. They are coming-of-age, saving-the-world-type of story-very enjoyable.
What are some of your personal favorites?
This is a hard one, as I have so many. Here are a few: Shiver (Scholastic) by Maggie Stiefvater; Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel; Intertwined by Gena Showalter; Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Houghton) by Beth Fantasky; Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson; Sisters Red by Jackson Pierce; and The Silver Kiss (Delacorte) by Annette Kurtis Klaus. The Silver Kiss really made me fall in love with vampires and got me started on the genre. It is such a touching and beautifully written story.
The others are all powerful, captivating stories that stay with you even after you are finished reading. They have the wow factor.
When did you start reviewing vampire books for SLJ?
I have been a reviewer since the summer 2006.
How'd you become our expert on the subject?
When asked the type of books I would like to review, I stated that I enjoy reading gothic (vampire, werewolf, paranormal, supernatural), historical fiction and fantasy. At first I did review a variety of novels, but for the last two years I exclusively review vampire, paranormal, and werewolf stories.
Are the bulk of books that you review vampire novels?
I have reviewed 63 titles to date for SLJ, and here is the breakdown: 37 vampire, 7 werewolf, 9 paranormal/supernatural/horror, 4 fantasy, 2 Holocaust, and 4 Historical Fiction.
Who are some of the best writers of vampire books?
I am a huge Stephenie Meyer fan, but I also love Claudia Gray, Heather Brewer, Lili St. Crow, Richelle Mead, and, of course, Anne Rice's earlier books.
Why did the "Twilight" series became such a blockbuster?
I think Bella is a very easy character to identify with. We fall in love with Edward along with her, and we understand why she doubts that he truly and unconditionally loves her. I believe that our society still hold on to the idea of the knight in shining armor, happily ever after, fairy tale love story-so it is easy to get swept away by Twilight. Plus there is a little of everything in there: love, friendship, loyalty, evil villains, family, identity, belonging, etc.
Here's a hard one...Edward or Jacob?
Easy-Edward all the way! Edward is the perfect vampire. Not only is he young and gorgeous but he has a deep soul and cares about people and the world. As Bella does not think she is worthy of his love, Edward doesn't think he is worthy of hers. I just love the way their relationship develops-they are true soul mates.
There is a new vampire series, The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey, that is very popular with the teens in the County of Los Angeles Public Libraries. The first book in the series is Hearts at Stake.
Posted by Cathy Saldin on August 24, 2010 01:57:45PM
Don't forget Kimberly Pauley's "Sucks to Be Me" titles, as well as Brian Meehl's "Suck It Up"... and of course M. T. Anderson's "Thirsty", and Shusterman's "Red Rider's Hood"... -- J. Newhouse
Posted by J. Newhouse on August 24, 2010 08:43:43PM
I think MARKED has a second use... Showing teens what plagiarism is!
http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2009/12/did-pc-and-kristin-cast-plagiarize.html
Posted by Debbie Reese on August 26, 2010 07:14:27PM
My students also enjoy Amelia Atwater-Rhodes' books.
Posted by Marie Barron on August 29, 2010 02:31:41PM
Maggie Stiefvater has made me fall in love with Werewolves. It makes my students crazy, but I'm a big fan of Jacob!
Also like the Immortal series by Alyson Noel.
Posted by Linda Caniano on September 25, 2010 11:14:40AM
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