How to Be a Vampire: A Fangs-On Guide for the Newly Undead

by Amy Gray, Scott Erwert (Illustrator)

Overview

Welcome to the world of the undead! A comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle satisfies newcomers’ thirst for lore and provides tasteful tips.

For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks — charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including:

* a quiz to determine your true vampire persona 
* ways to turn into a vampire — or when a kiss is not just a kiss and why you should take a look at your family tree 
* a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity 
* a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damned) 
* knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to an obsession with counting 
* ten signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in 
* a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763649159
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	10/13/2009
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.43(w) x 7.97(h) x 0.76(d)
Lexile:	1070L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Amy Gray is a writer, photographer, and amateur vampirologist who has been fascinated with vampires, spooky art and literature, and the supernatural since early childhood. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her daughter, and can be counted on to be on the scene if anything goes bump in the night or sparkles mysteriously.

Editorial Reviews

This lighthearted but informative handbook for the fledgling bloodsucker explores the romance and the pitfalls of vampiredom. Glossy digital images of teens in gothic attire are featured throughout three sections: “Leaving the Mortal Realm,” “Living the Undead Lifestyle,” and “The Armchair Vampire.” There’s abundant humor (paleness is one warning sign that you could be dating a vampire—“What’s he afraid of? Premature aging or premature bursting into flames?”), pop culture references from Buffy to Bella, quizzes, as well as roundups of vampire types and vampiric reading, viewing, and listening. Ages 12–up. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

Gr 7 Up—In this visually appealing guide, readers learn the secrets of the world of vampires, their behavior, necessary etiquette, and the possible hazards facing them. The table of contents breaks the information into three distinct segments: "Leaving the Mortal Realm," "Living the Undead Lifestyle," and "Armchair Vampire." Each segment begins with a quiz to test readers' persona, style, and knowledge of the undead. The book then discusses types of vampires, with each one illustrated, how to be turned, how to feed, forming covens, dressing the part, travel hot spots, famous real-life vampires, and the vampire in film and literature. The striking art, including many full-page, full-color photos, along with the captivating layout and design, sets an eerie tone. A true temptation for all who love vampires and the supernatural.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

School Library Journal