Count Dracula Made Me Do It - Vampire Book Recommendations for Teens

Thirsty by M.T. Anderson - From the moment he knows that he is destined to be a vampire, Chris thirsts for the blood of people around him while also struggling to remain human.

In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes - Risika, a teenage vampire, wanders back in time to the year 1684 when, as a human, she died and was transformed against her will.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine - In Morganville, Texas, a town where evil terrorizes the streets under the cover of darkness, Claire Danvers, who has had enough of her current dorm situation, moves off campus and discovers that her new roommates are vampires.

Bloodline by Kate Cary - In this story told primarily through journal entries, a British soldier in World War I makes the horrifying discovery that his regiment commander is descended from Count Dracula.

Marked by P.C. Cast - The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampires have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz - Select teenagers from some of New York City's wealthiest and most socially prominent families learn a startling secret about their bloodlines.

Bloodlust by Alex Duval - At first, Jason Freeman enjoys his new high school, but later he notices too many strange events there which lead to a girl who washes up on the beach with a suspicious bite mark.

Evernight by Claudia Gray - Sixteen-year-old Bianca, a new girl at the sinister Evernight boarding school, finds herself drawn to another outsider, Jared, but dark forces threaten to tear them apart and destroy Bianca's entire world.

Sweetblood by Pete Hautman - After a lifetime of being a model student, sixteen-year-old Lucy Szabo is suddenly in trouble at school, at home, with the "proto-vampires" she has met online and in person, and most of all with her uncontrolled diabetes.

Vampire Knight, Volume 1 by Matsuri Hino - Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the day class and the night class. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the guardians of the school, protecting the day class from the Academy's dark secret: the night class is full of vampires!

Chibi Vampire, Volume 1 by Yuna Kagesaki - "Karin is a cute little girl who also happens to be a vampire... with a twist. Once a month, she experiences intense bleeding from her nose--we're talking gushers! In other words, she's a vamp with blood to spare, so rather than stealing blood from humans she actually gives her blood to them. If done right, this can be an extremely positive experience that benefits the "victim" as much as the vamp. The problem is that Karin never seems to do things right!"--Cover, P. [4].

Night Road by A.M. Jenkins - Battling his own memories and fears, Cole, an extraordinarily conscientious vampire, and Sandor, a more impulsive acquaintance, spend a few months on the road, trying to train a young man who recently joined their ranks.

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause - Amazon.com: "Zoe is wary when, in the dead of night, the beautiful yet frightening Simon comes to her house. Simon seems to understand the pain of loneliness and death and Zoe's brooding thoughts of her dying mother. Simon is one of the undead, a vampire, seeking revenge for the gruesome death of his mother three hundred years before. Does Simon dare ask Zoe to help free him from this lifeless chase and its insufferable loneliness?"

Boys that Bite by Mari Mancusi - Amazon.com: "Technically Sunshine can't get killed--because she's immortal. Well, not quite yet. Due to the worst case of mistaken identity with her dark-side-loving twin sister at a Goth club called Club Fang, Magnus, a vampire hottie, went for Sunshine's innocent neck. Now if she doesn't reverse it in time, Magnus will be her blood mate forever and she's doomed to be a blood-gulping, pasty, daylight-hating vampire. That would seriously bite."

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier - Five sisters who live with their merchant father in Transylvania use a hidden portal in their home to cross over into a magical world, the Wildwood.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Two years after a horrible incident made them run away, vampire princess Lissa and her guardian-in-training Rose are found and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, where one focuses on mastering magic, the other on physical training, while both try to avoid the perils of gossip, cliques, gruesome pranks, and sinister plots.

Suck It Up by Brian Meehl - After graduating from the International Vampire League, a screwy, teenage vampire named Morning is given the chance to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a superhero when he embarks on a League mission to become the first vampire to reveal his identity to humans and to demonstrate how peacefully-evolved, blood-substitute-drinking vampires can use their powers to help humanity.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who she comes to realize is not wholly human.

The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce - The servant girl Aeriel must choose between destroying her vampire master for his evil deeds or saving him for the sake of his beauty and the spark of goodness she has seen in him.

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber - Sixteen-year-old Raven, an outcast who always wears black and hopes to become a vampire some day, falls in love with the mysterious new boy in town, eager to find out if he can make her dreams come true.

Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan - Two boys who are best friends visit an illegal freak show, where an encounter with a vampire and a deadly spider forces them to make life-changing choices.

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith - When multiple murders in Austin, Texas, threaten the grand re-opening of her family's vampire-themed restaurant, seventeen-year-old, orphaned Quincie worries that her best friend-turned-love interest, Keiren, a werewolf-in-training, may be the prime suspect.

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld - Cal Thompson is a carrier of a parasite that causes vampirism, and must hunt down all of the girlfriends he has unknowingly infected.

August Recommendations for Kids

Fiction

Martha in the Middle by Jan Fearnley - Martha is the middle mouse, between older sister Clara and younger brother Ben. Martha was always in the middle of everything: meals, games, even fights. Clara and Ben got all the recognition and Martha felt ignored. So she runs away to the far side of the garden where she meets a frog who shows her why being in the middle is often the best spot to be in. This is a great story for those middle children out there to learn that being in the middle is actually very good!

Mail Harry to the Moon by Robie H. Harris - Before Harry came life was very good for his brother, but now Harry seems to come first all the time and life is not fair. Why can't Harry be sent to the zoo, or put in the trash, or…mailed to the moon! When his brother wakes up one morning and doesn't hear Harry anywhere, after a mad search he realizes that maybe Harry was mailed to the Moon! He jumps in his spaceship and flies to the moon to bring Harry back. This fun story is perfect for families with a new sibling on the way.

Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (And Other Things Not To Do) by Judi Barrett - As the cover suggests, you should never take a shark to the dentist…you just don't know what will happen! This book is filled with many other don't do's like never shake hands with a lobster, or go shoe shopping with a centipede. Each pearl of wisdom is accompanied by a great illustration.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, Illustrated by Gris Grimly - The tale of Sleepy Hollow goes through yet another incarnation, but what makes this version special is the grisly and almost comic artwork of Gris Grimly. The tale is the classic story of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman, but is laid out in a graphic novel format and filled with fantastic artwork. You get a good idea of what Ichabod Crane looks like, or how the Headless Horseman really is something to be afraid of. This is a great book that takes a classic tale and turns it into something perfect for today's readers.

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas - Young Conn was just looking for a few coins to lift, but was surprised to have stolen the magic from a real Wizard! This leads to an apprenticeship to a possibly crazy wizard named Nevery, an investigation into what is happening to the magic in the city, and he must find his locus magicalicus (or magic stone) in just thirty days! This is a fast-paced adventure in the spirit of Harry Potter. Told in the first person by young Conn, and with occasional insights from Nevery's Journal, this story is a ton of fun and sure to be a great read.


Nonfiction

Ask Dr. K. Fisher about Dinosaurs by Claire Llewellyn - Yet another book about dinosaurs, that may be true, but this one is fun! Each page is first a letter asking a serious or silly question about dinosaurs and the next page is the answer written by Dr. K. Fisher! The cartoon-style illustrations really put life into the book. If you are looking for something different with dinosaurs be sure to check out this book!

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero by Gina Capaldi - In 1871, a five year old boy named Wassaja was kidnapped from his Yavapai tribe in a raid by the Pima, their traditional enemies. His captors sold him to an Italian immigrant photographer who raised him as a son. Beautiful illustrations and original photographs add impact to the drama of his life story, much of it in words taken from his letters and interviews. In an era of U.S. history when Native Americans had few legal and civil rights, Dr. Montezuma became a medical doctor, researcher, publisher, and civil rights activist yet never forgot his real name.

How the Incredible Human Body Works by Richard Walker - There are many books out there on how the human body works but this one will appeal to children for the clever way the body's functions and purposes are illustrated and explained. There are a series of fold out pages that show a big picture (i.e. the nose) and then go into the details (how the nose works and its parts). This is a fantastic book that is sure to be useful to children of all ages.

What To Do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley - President Teddy Roosevelt could handle just about anything: grizzly bears, herding thousands of cattle, and being president. But there was one person that just about drove him crazy: his daughter Alice. This is a fantastic telling of the amazing and energetic life of Alice Roosevelt. Everyone learns about the famous president, but it's nice to learn about his daughter that wished to "eat up the world." The story of her life is well crafted and very enjoyable! I encourage both adults and children to pick up this book and learn a bit about Alice Roosevelt.

When the Wolves Returned by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent - This is a fantastic book that chronicles the history of wolves at Yellowstone National Park. The book does a great job showing how wolves were originally hunted and virtually removed from the park, documenting all the changes that happened when the wolves were removed from their natural home. Finally the book tells about how it was decided to return the wolves to the park and how the balance of nature was restored. There are plenty of fantastic photographs of animals and of course the wolves, that brings this great tale of why we should be careful playing with nature. A must read for all children and adults that love nature.

August Recommendations for Teens

Fiction

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart - For Frankie's first year at the exclusive Alabaster Academy she was a geeky member of the debate club and not much to notice. Over the summer things changed; she came back almost a different person and took this highly competitive school by storm. She was not a person to take no for an answer, and when she sets her mind to something she won't stop. With Secret Societies, pranks, boyfriends, and her future on the line, her sophomore year at school will be the most notorious year anyone has ever imagined and Frankie might just be the most cunning (near criminal mastermind) student ever seen.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - "Don't trust anyone over 25!" These words become a cry of the youth of a nation as terror, technology, and loyalty are brought to a test in this fantastic action packed, yet thoughtful, book! Meet Marcus (aka "w1n5t0n"); at the age of 17 he thinks he knows about all he needs to know. He has bested the private high-tech school's security system, and does pretty much what ever he wants. Suddenly there is a terrorist strike in San Francisco and everything changes. He is caught up with his friends for being in the wrong place at the wrong time by the department of Homeland Security. Virtually overnight SF becomes a Police state and Marcus must find ways to maintain freedom in this new world.

Nick of Time by Ted Bell - Adventure! That is the first word that comes to mind when reading this book; it is filled from beginning to end with adventure. With pirates, Nazis and time travel, how can this book not be anything but the best adventure novel for kids since Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson! Meet Nick McIver: young, idealistic, and a lover of ships—oh and don't forget his dog Jipper! It's just before WWII and a lot of weird things are being seen on his island off the coast of England: submarines, big planes flying overhead, and pirates. Soon Nick is involved in the adventure of his life to save the past, preserve the present and rescue his dog, all with the help of a time machine. This book is packed with great ideas (morals, good v. evil, and heroes) and tons of adventure.

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey - Felix Castor, a freelance exorcist, is summoned to end a haunting in London's prestigious Bonnington Archives. But the blood veiled fiend resists and Felix finds the tables turned as he becomes the object of affection for a ravenous succubus. Carey delivers a deft combination of wisecracking noir detective story with fantasy in this new supernatural noir series.

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray - In the concluding chapter of The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Gemma struggles against the tyranny of her family, worries about her upcoming debut into London society while sorting out how and why her destiny is tied to the Realms, a complex magical alter-universe. She discovers unexpected abilities and powers, not the least of which is the ability to travel, like her murdered mother, into the Realms. Gemma and her friends have another mystery to solve as well, one that will reveal the dark secret that lies at the heart of Spence Academy.


Nonfiction

Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia & Laser Hair Renewal by Laurie Notaro - The New York Times bestselling author of The Idiot Girl’s Action-Adventure Club returns with her first collection of all new essays and personal observations in three years, her funniest yet.

One Day the Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War by Charles London - In this powerful and unforgettable book Charles London takes us into the world of refugee children, celebrating their unique skills for survival and reflection. Their remarkable stories and drawings will chill the blood and touch the heart, offering an indelible, firsthand portrait of the war that rages beyond the headlines.

Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs by Sharon Sakson - Did you know that Akita named Hotei is able to predict his owner's seizures, and gets her to lie down before they take place? That an organization called X-CPR promotes the use of small, hairless Mexican dogs to relieve the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia? Sakson shares stories of beloved pets that have supported their families, in miraculous ways, through periods of ill health; and it reviews the science that lends credence to claims of dogs' healing power. For the first time, the array of fascinating information on this topic has been gathered in one place.

Success Principles for Teens: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield and Kent Healy - This book includes 23 of the most important success strategies used by thousands of exceptional young people throughout history. With the right tools, inspirational stories, and timeless advice anyone can be successful.

Swallow the Ocean by Laura M. Flynn - Charismatic, beautiful Sally Flynn was the center of her daughters' imaginations, particularly Laura's. Without warning, life as they knew it changed as paranoid schizophrenia overtook Sally. Glimmers of her mother's future paranoia grew brighter as Laura's early years passed. Once their father left the family and filed for divorce, their mother's symptoms bloomed in earnest, and the three girls united in flights of fancy of the sort their mother had taught them in order to deflect danger. Set in 1970s San Francisco, Flynn presents a searing, beautifully written memoir in luminous prose of a childhood under siege.

August Recommendations for Adults

Fiction

Another Man’s Moccasins by Craig Johnson - The fourth in the Walt Longmire mystery series finds the Wyoming sheriff confronting two dead bodies and one very troubling clue. Why does the dead Vietnamese woman have a photo of him taken during his tour of duty in Vietnam 40 years ago? The absorbing plot, compelling characters, humor and psychological depth put this series in a league of its own.

Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen - Leo, a psychiatrist is convinced that his much younger wife has been replaced by an exact replica. Like a true scientist, he devises whimsical and startling ways to prove this and discover who she really is. For readers who enjoy dark comedy with a twist, this debut novel will challenge and delight.

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir - Historical fiction fans will enjoy Weir's nuanced perspective on the early life of Elizabeth I from childhood to her coronation. Weir lends her considerable historical knowledge to the well known cast of characters and events that made young Elizabeth's world a proper training ground for a future queen.

The Likeness by Tana French - Edgar-winner French blurs the boundaries between victim and cop, memory and fantasy, in this stunning sequel to her debut, In the Woods. In a small town outside of Dublin, Detective Cassie Maddox discovers a murder victim who looks just like her and is using her undercover alias.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski - Edgar's story begins on a farm in rural Wisconsin where his quest for the truth about his father's unexpected death takes him and his dogs on a dangerous odyssey. A coming of age story and wilderness epic told by a master storyteller.


Nonfiction

Best Recipes Classic Series from Cook’s Illlustrated, 5 v. by Editors of Cook's Illustrated - The best dishes from Cook’s Illustrated test kitchens are collected here in 5 volumes: American, Cover & Bake, Chicken, Meat, and Vegetables. The easy to read and follow recipes come with equipment ratings, detailed explanations for procedures, and the science of the process—all the features we’ve come to love about Cook's Illustrated.

Homo Politicus: The Strange and Barbaric Tribes of the Beltway by Dana Milbank - "Milbank's lacerating wit mows down the pompous, the stupid, and the corrupt among Democrats, Republicans, reporters, and bureaucrats by naming names. Every appalling anecdote in this book is, alas, true." –Powell's Books.

This Land is Their Land: Reports from a Divided Nation by Barbara Ehrenreich - Witty, biting, and hilarious, Ehrenreich's second work of satirical commentary skewers the super rich for their narcissistic indulgences during one of the cruelest decades in memory, the 2000s. She examines a nation scarred by deepening inequality, corroded by distrust, and shamed by its official cruelty.

Predictably Irrational: the Hidden Forces that Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely - Why do we consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate making the same mistakes over and over? From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. Predictably Irrational will change the way we interact with the world—one small decision at a time.

What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage: Lessons for People from Animals and Their Trainers by Amy Sutherland - While observing exotic animal trainers for her acclaimed book Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched, journalist Amy Sutherland had an epiphany: what if she used these training techniques with the human animals in her own life—namely her dear husband, Scott? In this lively and perceptive book, Sutherland tells how she took the trainers' lessons home.

Job Search Survival Skills

The latest books to help you land and keep your dream job.

Ditch the Flip-Flops: Ace Your Job Interview Fresh Out of College by Sylvia Landy - Geared for the new graduate's first forays into the professional job market, Landy covers the essentials from references to wardrobe and vocabulary.

Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, 14th ed. (2007) and Top 300
Careers, 11th ed. (2007) - Whether changing careers or just starting out, these two reference titles provide information on all aspects of job requirements, salaries, and trends.

Find Your Inner Ugly Betty Unauthorized: 25 Career Lessons for Young Professionals Inspired by TV Shows by Tanner Stransky - Stransky explains how to create your personal brand, build career advancing relationships, and develop confidence with examples from TV show characters and advice from career experts.

How'd You Score That Gig: A Guide to the Coolest Jobs and How to Get Them by Alexandra Levit - Levit's "passion profile" test groups jobs around seven dominate traits: Adventurer, Creator, Data Head, Entrepreneur, Investigator, Networker, and Nurturer. Take the test and discover your hidden potential.

Job-Hunting Online, 5th edition by Mark and Richard Bolles - Written by father-son career gurus, the Bolles will help you navigate the overwhelming amount of information available on the Internet. Filled with annotated website recommendations and the action steps of a successful job hunt, this time-saving desktop guide is essential to an effective online job search.

The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They'd Learned Sooner by Peggy Klaus - Self-awareness and self-management are the foundation for developing the diplomatic skills that will ensure your chances for job retention and advancement.

What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here? 44 Insider Secrets That Will Get You Hired by Cynthia Shapiro - Shapiro delivers what you need to know to ace every aspect of a job search. She reveals employers' hidden agendas and how to spot them, interview problems, and The Fix. Ever wonder where those online applications end up? Consider Secret #8: "A Computer is Deciding Your Job Prospects."