Teeth

Gr 8 Up—This inevitable and anticipated vampire-themed anthology from an editorial dynamic duo is a compilation of 17 short stories and two poems by award-winning, well-known, and/or new authors typically specializing in fantasy and sci-fi genres inside and out of the YA market. An accessible, interesting introduction reminds readers that vampire lore has long existed in many countries and cultures, evolving over time. An eclectic mix of tales and tones, the stories (refreshingly not all focused on romance) are dark, humorous, bittersweet, haunting, mocking, or combinations thereof. They explore varying myths and themes of mortality, friendship, survival, the passage of time, misperception, manipulation, transformation, and change. Holly Black and Cassandra Clare invite readers to an already dangerous dinner party gone awry. Kaaron Warren's vampire Claudia befriends would-be victim Ken, who provides her with a list of terminally ill people, ultimately ending up on it himself decades later. Catherynne M. Valente's "high risk" teen Scout lives in a world in which humans turn vamp for countless absurd reasons. Tales like Melissa Marr's "Transition," Steve Berman's "All Smiles," Garth Nix's "Vampire Weather," and Tanith Lee's "Why Light?" will leave readers thirsting for more. Containing occasional swears, this biting, anti-fluff compilation is for fans of the paranormal, Datlow and Windling's other anthologies, and CW's Supernatural.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ