Vampire High by Douglas Rees.

(NY: Delacorte Press, 2003. 226 pp. $6.95, ISBN 0—385-73117-5)

Ages 12 and up

“You mean the pilgrims were vampires?”

Cody Elliot’s life has just been turned upside down in more ways than one and nothing he thought he knew can compete with what he’s learning.

He was happy living in California, but because of his dad’s job, the family has been forced to move to Massachusetts.

Cody does not like Massachusetts.

Nor does Cody like his new school. Back in California he was pulling in decent grades but now he has managed to get an “F” in every subject, including homeroom.

He thought the kids at his even newer school were weird, now he’s discovering that they’re not weird – they are vampires. The vampires don’t like to be called that, they prefer “jenti.” The jenti don’t like Cody Elliot.

From parents who have students they fear are failing to students who have parents who fail to understand the trials of high school, this book about being different, being friends and what it means to be a human being is sure to earn and A+.

Paranormal fans will enjoy the original take on vampire culture, and those who have steadfastly refused to get sucked into to the vampire craze will find one book worth sinking their teeth into.

When you’ve finished reading “Vampire High” you will feel like you’ve feasted on wit, satire and plain good humor, but it may leave you longing for a second helping.

Geri Williams is a local book fancier.