Type: Series Review
Title: Blue Bloods
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 336
Ages: 16 and up
Genre: Vampire
Reader's Annotation: Blue Bloods is the epitome of a vampire story, Schuyler Van Alen attempts to get to the bottom of all her life’s mysteries.
Summary: Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she's starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it.
Critical Evaluation: Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read. Like various vampire novel-series, many young adults are drawn to its suspenseful theme. This novel includes young adult topics and issues that are relevant to young adults, such as family ties, romantic relationships, and social status at schools. The romantic plot line adds to this story, which interests many young adults. Melissa de la Cruz intentionally mentions various “pop culture” references that a young adult audience can relate to as well. She is able to effectively draw her audience into Schuyler Van Alen’s world.
Challenge Issues:
- Novel is about vampires
- Novel deals with blood sucking of others
- 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.
