CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Fake Blood
CCBC Review:
As he begins 6th grade, AJ is an ordinary kid who enjoys hanging out with his best friends, Hunter and Ivy. Happily, they are all in the same class with a cool new teacher, Mr. Niles, from England. But life changes quickly for AJ when he develops an immediate crush on the unattainable Nia Winters, the smartest kid in Spoons Middle School—and an avid fan of vampires. He becomes obsessed with how to make her notice him and decides the best way is to pretend to be a vampire. He mousses his hair, uses his older sister’s makeup to put dark circles under his eyes, and takes to wearing sunglasses. He uses books and television shows to study up on vampire behavior so he can impress Nia with his knowledge. He even starts drinking fake blood, making sure that it leaves stains on his teeth and gums. While AJ may be maturing with his first serious crush, Ivy and Hunter still play like children; it’s one of the ways Gardner skillfully captures middle school behavior. All are part of a strong cast of well-rounded characters who populate this witty, distinctive graphic novel in which AJ’s research, not to mention Nia’s vampire expertise, prove to be critical. ©2019 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Whitney Gardner
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 10-14
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Graphic Novel
Subjects:
Fantasy
Humor
Love and Romance
Supernatural
Diversity subjects:
Black/African
Brown Skin Unspecified
On CCBC Booklist:
Fantasy for 8 to 12 Year Olds: Giants, Journeys, and Other Imaginings
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Publish Year: 2018
Pages: 332
ISBN: 9781481495561
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Gardner
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.