Bunnicula: A Rabbit-tale of Mystery

by Deborah Howe

Summary: Though scoffed at by Harold the dog, Chester the cat tries to warn his human family that their foundling baby bunny must be a vampire.

This is a humorous tale with a ridiculous, though enjoyable, plot. I have recommended this book to older readers on a low reading level. They have told me that they enjoyed it. There are several other Bunnicula books to try if you like this first told tale.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: Grade 5

Gibbus Moony Wants to Bite You!

 by Leslie Muir

Summary: A young bat is eager to sink his newly-emerging adult fangs into a neck, although his parents and grandfather remind him that they only bite fruit.

This is an amusing story that can be used to discuss appropriate behavior, specifically not biting anything but food. I recommend sharing this book with young children on Halloween because it is not scary but the characters are vampires.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Sleepless Little Vampire

by Richard Egielski

Summary: A young vampire, unable to sleep, tries to figure out whether it is the howling of a werewolf, the clacking of skeletons, or something else that is keeping him awake.

This is a wonderful read to celebrate Halloween without a horror story! I recommend this book as a read aloud for students in kindergarten through third grade. Children can join the reader by making the different sounds in the book. This book could be read with younger children who are not especially sensitive to the supernatural. The story is not scary; but the characters are classic characters displayed in a cartoonish fashion (ghost, vampires, skeletons, etc.)

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

by Heather Brewer

Summary: For thirteen years, Vlad, aided by his aunt and best friend, has kept secret that he is half-vampire, but when his missing teacher is replaced by a sinister substitute, he learns that there is more to being a vampire, and to his parents' deaths, than he could have guessed.

This is the first book in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series. It is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in vampires without a mushy romance element. Many young adult boys have requested this action story set in the present. Although Vlad is not entirely human, his emotions and characteristics seem to resonate with male and female teens alike. The small mysteries in the story held my interest throughout the book.

Interest Level: grades 6-12
Reading Level: grade 6

Vampire Reads for Young Adults

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Dark Romance for Young Adults

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