Vampire Island
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.