Cirque Du Freak Series Review

37.  Cirque Du Freak Series by Darren Shan

Type: Series of Books
Title: Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare
Author: Darren Shan
Publisher:
ISBN: 978-0316605106
Ages: 15 and up
Genre: Vampire

Reader's Annotation: Welcome to the Cirque Du Freak, a freak show where vampires exist.

Summary: This story is about how Darren Shan goes to the show, Cirque Du Freak. In this circus/freak show, Steve, Darren's friend, uncovers the truth that Mr. Crepsley is a vampire.

Critical Evaluation: Filled with grotesque creatures, murderous vampires, and a petrifying ending, Cirque Du Freak will chill, thrill, and leave readers begging for more (Goodreads).

Challenge Issues:

• Too graphic horror
• References to ghouls and vampires

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.