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Fake Blood
It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires?
When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer.
Now AJ has to worry about self-preservation while also trying to save everyone he cares about from a real-life threat lurking in the shadows of Spoons Middle School.
When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer.
Now AJ has to worry about self-preservation while also trying to save everyone he cares about from a real-life threat lurking in the shadows of Spoons Middle School.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2018
105 people are currently reading
3601 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Gardner
15 books288 followersWhitney Gardner is an author, illustrator, and coffee addict. Originally from New York, she studied design and worked as an art teacher and school librarian before moving to Victoria, BC, where she lives by the Salish Sea with her husband and two pugs. In the rare moment Whitney isn’t writing or drawing, she’s likely to be reading comics, knitting, or roasting her own coffee beans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 854 reviews
November 24, 2018
This was insanely adorable
October 15, 2022
Happy Halloween!
My initial rating was 3 stars, but the middle grade reader (and two younger YA readers) in the house enjoyed it more than me and, well, they ARE the intended audience, so I'll bump it up to 4 stars for them.
A fun/silly middle grades graphic novel about (initially) unremarkable AJ, who has a crush on interesting Nia, who happens to be a slayer. But initially he doesn't know this, he just thinks she is very interested in vampires, since they are teamed up on a project about Transylvania, so he tries to make her think he IS one. Oops. Then there are AJ's two competitive friends who sometimes help him. And a teacher, who it appears actually IS a vampire. How can this all be resolved so AJ can be friends with and not murder victim of Nia! And what to do about the vampire teacher?! How can AJ help Nia resolve this dilemma and not just be Boring Boy?
My initial rating was 3 stars, but the middle grade reader (and two younger YA readers) in the house enjoyed it more than me and, well, they ARE the intended audience, so I'll bump it up to 4 stars for them.
A fun/silly middle grades graphic novel about (initially) unremarkable AJ, who has a crush on interesting Nia, who happens to be a slayer. But initially he doesn't know this, he just thinks she is very interested in vampires, since they are teamed up on a project about Transylvania, so he tries to make her think he IS one. Oops. Then there are AJ's two competitive friends who sometimes help him. And a teacher, who it appears actually IS a vampire. How can this all be resolved so AJ can be friends with and not murder victim of Nia! And what to do about the vampire teacher?! How can AJ help Nia resolve this dilemma and not just be Boring Boy?
March 10, 2024
this is literally the cutest freakin book ever!! absolutely loved how they bonded on their love for reading. i was not expecting all those twists and turns
Read
May 8, 2020Who drinks fake blood when real blood is 10 times better?
Middle School is a place where change begins right? Nothing feels different for AJ, yet his classmates are growing and having fun summer adventures. Even his crush is the same one he's harbored for years. But why would a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain old AJ when she only has eyes for vampires? When AJ and Nia paired up for a group project on Transylvania, AJ sees his opportunity to shine. However, he soon realizes he may have bit into an entirely new set of problems.
A story of middleschoolers, monsters, and Moonlight. Be true to yourself, or get bit in the neck.
Bookish, timid AJ thought himself to be boring. Everyone around him was changing, and suddenly he didn't fit in with even his friends. His struggles to stand out/belong were humorously, (fake) bloodily heartwarming. I loved watching him grow more confident in himself.
From his rambunctious best friends, Hunter and Ivy, to his vampire obsessed crush Nia, to hip sister BB, to a mysteriously strict teacher, Mr. Niles, AJ's life was full of lively souls. Following this pleasantly drawn supporting cast through some early fall days was a lot of fun.
A pair that tried to keep his life interesting, Hunter and Ivy's competitive spirits and banter had me chuckling. Those two couldn't find enough ways to have play fights (or ignore AJ's feelings), but Nia dedicated herself to a sharper passion. I don't know if I would go to the lengths AJ did, but I would love to be friends with the bold, smart girl. Another awesome gal, BB was so intuitive. Bickering aside, she and AJ always had each other's backs, even in times of peril. Seemingly close to the edge was the strict Mr. Niles. There was just something odd about the uptight man...
Open this book and you'll find your vampire, Twilight... err I mean Moonlight, monster loving heart cackling and full. Whitney Gardner's talent shown in her illustrated coming-of-age graphic novel debut full of parody nods to paranormal pop culture. A middle grade story of friendship, feeling like an outsider, and finding yourself , Fake Blood was blood-suckingly sweet. Parts of the ending came out of nowhere, but it's reminder to just be yourself was creatively delivered. A fast-paced, wholesome poke in the fangs, I couldn't get enough.
It's no joke, Fake Blood is truly a tale that sparkles.
Middle School is a place where change begins right? Nothing feels different for AJ, yet his classmates are growing and having fun summer adventures. Even his crush is the same one he's harbored for years. But why would a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain old AJ when she only has eyes for vampires? When AJ and Nia paired up for a group project on Transylvania, AJ sees his opportunity to shine. However, he soon realizes he may have bit into an entirely new set of problems.
A story of middleschoolers, monsters, and Moonlight. Be true to yourself, or get bit in the neck.
Bookish, timid AJ thought himself to be boring. Everyone around him was changing, and suddenly he didn't fit in with even his friends. His struggles to stand out/belong were humorously, (fake) bloodily heartwarming. I loved watching him grow more confident in himself.
From his rambunctious best friends, Hunter and Ivy, to his vampire obsessed crush Nia, to hip sister BB, to a mysteriously strict teacher, Mr. Niles, AJ's life was full of lively souls. Following this pleasantly drawn supporting cast through some early fall days was a lot of fun.
A pair that tried to keep his life interesting, Hunter and Ivy's competitive spirits and banter had me chuckling. Those two couldn't find enough ways to have play fights (or ignore AJ's feelings), but Nia dedicated herself to a sharper passion. I don't know if I would go to the lengths AJ did, but I would love to be friends with the bold, smart girl. Another awesome gal, BB was so intuitive. Bickering aside, she and AJ always had each other's backs, even in times of peril. Seemingly close to the edge was the strict Mr. Niles. There was just something odd about the uptight man...
Open this book and you'll find your vampire, Twilight... err I mean Moonlight, monster loving heart cackling and full. Whitney Gardner's talent shown in her illustrated coming-of-age graphic novel debut full of parody nods to paranormal pop culture. A middle grade story of friendship, feeling like an outsider, and finding yourself , Fake Blood was blood-suckingly sweet. Parts of the ending came out of nowhere, but it's reminder to just be yourself was creatively delivered. A fast-paced, wholesome poke in the fangs, I couldn't get enough.
It's no joke, Fake Blood is truly a tale that sparkles.
September 21, 2018
There are three things that I know about Nia Winters. One, she is the smartest girl at Spoons Middle School. Two, she's absolutely crazy about vampires. And three, even though I really like her and I'd try to catch her bus every day for the rest of my life so we could sit next to each other and maybe one day even hold hands or whatever...She has no idea I exist.
This book was hilarious, and sweet, and the coolest. I loved the illustrations and all the characters. I love that he went to Spoons Middle School, not to be confused with Forks Middle School. OMG the Twilight references were all sorts of amazing and so very funny. Moonlight!! Hahaha! It was kind of genius. The very obvious name changes, I mean. I thoroughly enjoyed this comic book. I fell in love with the town and the illustrations made it come to life. I then fell for each and every character big and small. Also, it was the perfect kid book. It had 11 year old playing in the playground and still being kids, big kids, but still kids. When they walk in the hallway and laugh at the tiny fifth graders, I laughed so loud. They were inches bigger. It was a wholesome, fun book and I loved it. Highly recommend to anyone especially middle school kiddos.
This book was hilarious, and sweet, and the coolest. I loved the illustrations and all the characters. I love that he went to Spoons Middle School, not to be confused with Forks Middle School. OMG the Twilight references were all sorts of amazing and so very funny. Moonlight!! Hahaha! It was kind of genius. The very obvious name changes, I mean. I thoroughly enjoyed this comic book. I fell in love with the town and the illustrations made it come to life. I then fell for each and every character big and small. Also, it was the perfect kid book. It had 11 year old playing in the playground and still being kids, big kids, but still kids. When they walk in the hallway and laugh at the tiny fifth graders, I laughed so loud. They were inches bigger. It was a wholesome, fun book and I loved it. Highly recommend to anyone especially middle school kiddos.
September 15, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fa...
Fake Blood
By Whitney Gardner
ISBN: 9781481495561
Author Website: heywhitney(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires?
When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer.
Now AJ has to worry about self-preservation while also trying to save everyone he cares about from a real-life threat lurking in the shadows of Spoons Middle School. (Goodreads)
Review:
This was such a fun book! Loved it.
Fake Blood is a graphic novel filled with all of your favorite vampire references that come together to narrate the back-to-school story of sixth grader AJ and his friends. It has a very dynamic illustration and Easter eggs everywhere. One of my favorites is all over the book but you have to read it to see it and I especially loved it because it’s a very special book reference for me 🙂
Throughout the story AJ struggles to find the courage to talk to the girl he likes, to have something interesting in his life, and to find who he truly is without having to be what he isn’t. It’s a new school year and his friends encourage him to talk to Nia, the girl who knows everything about vampires. An opportunity arrives when AJ’s new British teacher teams him up with Nia for a school project. This gives AJ a reason to talk to Nia and eventually discover that they both share the same love for books which brings them together. AJ pretends to be a vampire and things start to change, but they don’t turnout so good when Nia has to kill him revealing herself as a vampire slayer.
In Fake Blood we see AJ interact with different groups of people in his life. First there is his family, which consist of mom and his sister. His family sees his struggle and try to advise him the best way they can. Then there are his friends Ivy and Hunter who are just trying to make his life more interesting. And finally Nia and his new foreign teacher. One he tries really hard to get close to and the other one gives him the tools to know Nia better. All of these people help AJ’s new school year become more interesting and find that you don’t have to use fake blood to be cool.
I loved the references and the character of Nia. when she revealed herself as slayer I couldn’t help but think of her as Buffy. She was really determined as a slayer. There are events that you see coming but they are still really funny once you read them. The illustration is also really good. I like when it’s flat colors and very little gradients.
Fake Blood is a graphic novel for all ages, especially if you’re a vampire fan. It has funny moments, parody moments, and great twists. I had so much fun reading it and it was the perfect book to end the summer. Fake Blood is a must-read.
Favorite Quotes:
“I never really thought about how I would die. But dying at the hands of someone you love might not be the worst way to go.”
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Fake Blood
By Whitney Gardner
ISBN: 9781481495561
Author Website: heywhitney(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires?
When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer.
Now AJ has to worry about self-preservation while also trying to save everyone he cares about from a real-life threat lurking in the shadows of Spoons Middle School. (Goodreads)
Review:
This was such a fun book! Loved it.
Fake Blood is a graphic novel filled with all of your favorite vampire references that come together to narrate the back-to-school story of sixth grader AJ and his friends. It has a very dynamic illustration and Easter eggs everywhere. One of my favorites is all over the book but you have to read it to see it and I especially loved it because it’s a very special book reference for me 🙂
Throughout the story AJ struggles to find the courage to talk to the girl he likes, to have something interesting in his life, and to find who he truly is without having to be what he isn’t. It’s a new school year and his friends encourage him to talk to Nia, the girl who knows everything about vampires. An opportunity arrives when AJ’s new British teacher teams him up with Nia for a school project. This gives AJ a reason to talk to Nia and eventually discover that they both share the same love for books which brings them together. AJ pretends to be a vampire and things start to change, but they don’t turnout so good when Nia has to kill him revealing herself as a vampire slayer.
In Fake Blood we see AJ interact with different groups of people in his life. First there is his family, which consist of mom and his sister. His family sees his struggle and try to advise him the best way they can. Then there are his friends Ivy and Hunter who are just trying to make his life more interesting. And finally Nia and his new foreign teacher. One he tries really hard to get close to and the other one gives him the tools to know Nia better. All of these people help AJ’s new school year become more interesting and find that you don’t have to use fake blood to be cool.
I loved the references and the character of Nia. when she revealed herself as slayer I couldn’t help but think of her as Buffy. She was really determined as a slayer. There are events that you see coming but they are still really funny once you read them. The illustration is also really good. I like when it’s flat colors and very little gradients.
Fake Blood is a graphic novel for all ages, especially if you’re a vampire fan. It has funny moments, parody moments, and great twists. I had so much fun reading it and it was the perfect book to end the summer. Fake Blood is a must-read.
Favorite Quotes:
“I never really thought about how I would die. But dying at the hands of someone you love might not be the worst way to go.”
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
January 13, 2019
Fake blood follows a young boy named Aj who really likes this girl named Nia, who is obsessed with vampires. In order to get her attention he pretends to be a vampire. Little does he know she's the vampire Slayer.
Fake blood was a cute graphic novel. I loved the illistrations and the story. It was really ready to follow and I really liked the characters. Overall it was a quick fun read not the best graphic novel I've ever read but I really did enjoy it.
Fake blood was a cute graphic novel. I loved the illistrations and the story. It was really ready to follow and I really liked the characters. Overall it was a quick fun read not the best graphic novel I've ever read but I really did enjoy it.
September 19, 2018
Awful, awful, awful. I would actually recommend that people avoid this one. Why? Because it's creepy as hell, that's why. I thought this was a contemporary story. And it seems like it is for most of the book. Which makes it really bone-chilling when the love interest (yes, in a middle grade book; that part of the plot seemed too mature... especially when these kids are finger-painting at one point) suddenly tries, in all seriousness, to stab the main character. Then the book devolves into absolute stupidity, with the teacher turning out to be a real vampire who was planning on killing all the kids. (Luckily, the protagonist's 15-year-old sister pops out of nowhere to save the day.)
I thought maybe this would be a book that showed the dangers of trying to change who you are to make someone like you. I just didn't think that it would show someone trying to kill you because you'd changed!
Oh, and the cheap shot at the French was just the icing on the cake. I know it's an American pastime to throw shade in their direction, but come on. This is a middle-grade book. Should we really be encouraging our kids to make fun of other cultures?
I'd give this zero stars if I could. Not even the pictures could save this one for me. The sooner I can get the taste of this one out of my brain, the better.
I thought maybe this would be a book that showed the dangers of trying to change who you are to make someone like you. I just didn't think that it would show someone trying to kill you because you'd changed!
Oh, and the cheap shot at the French was just the icing on the cake. I know it's an American pastime to throw shade in their direction, but come on. This is a middle-grade book. Should we really be encouraging our kids to make fun of other cultures?
I'd give this zero stars if I could. Not even the pictures could save this one for me. The sooner I can get the taste of this one out of my brain, the better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
This vampire parody is pretty lifeless. The characters are all one-note or completely dull. One story twist is spoiled on the back cover and the other is incredibly predictable. Also, I have a keen dislike for stories where the main character tells a big, clumsy lie, and you then have to spend a good chunk of the book waiting for it to be exposed.
I don't know how an editor didn't put a stake through this before it got approved or definitely before it was allowed to sprawl over so many pages.
I don't know how an editor didn't put a stake through this before it got approved or definitely before it was allowed to sprawl over so many pages.
September 17, 2018
Fake Blood is a funny and heartfelt graphic novel about friendship, identity, and yes: vampires. Gardner's snappy dialogue and colorful, exciting illustrations bring AJ and his friends to life. I especially loved the larger illustrated scenes where there was always a fun little detail to spot. Packed with funny pop-culture references to popular vampire series and characters, there's something here for diehard and casual fans alike. I'd certainly love to see these characters again! A fantastic addition to middle grade libraries.
September 6, 2018
AJ is starting a new school year, and all he can think about his the amazing Nia Winters. But how can he get a girl as amazing as Nia is to notice him? Nia's obsession with vampires leads AJ to an out-there plan: AJ will pretend to be a vampire himself. Little does he know, however, that Nia is not a vampire fan, but a committed slayer.
This is a wildly fun graphic novel, with a delightful set of oddball characters and a zany plot.
This is a wildly fun graphic novel, with a delightful set of oddball characters and a zany plot.
May 20, 2019
This graphic novel is about the struggles of not feeling like you fit in - especially in a friend group. I find myself relating to it, as a person who had (obviously) gone through primary and high school myself and even now at the young age of twenty-two. Belonging is difficult. Knowing where you fit in is difficult.
This story showcases the struggles of what AJ, and many other children, feel when they are faced with uncertainty, first crushes, friends who sometimes don't pay much attention to you, or don't treat you the same as others.
It really did bring me back to some of my own feelings.
That's why the graphic novel got a four star rather than a five star from me!
This story showcases the struggles of what AJ, and many other children, feel when they are faced with uncertainty, first crushes, friends who sometimes don't pay much attention to you, or don't treat you the same as others.
It really did bring me back to some of my own feelings.
That's why the graphic novel got a four star rather than a five star from me!
July 3, 2021
Just a fun story about that first crush - but what about vampires? Kind of took me back to grade school and all the wild stories that were circulating that I thought (for sure) were true.
September 19, 2018
When you're in sixth grade, kids do all sorts of things to stand out or fit in like buying a new backpack, joining a club, or pretending to be a vampire to impress the girl who is clearly obsessed with them. This last one may be unusual, but it's the one that AJ chooses when he and girl-of-his-dreams Nia are paired up to do a project on Transylvania. Things go really start to go wrong when AJ learns that vampires aren't only real, but vampire slayers are real too!
Gardner's debut graphic novel works with themes of friendship and finding oneself to create the feel of a traditional coming-of-age story, but throws in fantastical elements to keep readers on their toes and laughing along the way. The story is carried by three-dimensional characters and smooth dialog. Each scene works to either progress the plot or develop a relationship so this hefty book flies by. It is worth mentioning that character relationships are not only developed, but developed in a positive manner; the best example of this is AJ and his sister who will quarrel but still show their love and support for each other at the end of the day. This type of role model is essential as stories will often depict sibling rivalry to be the norm.
The story flows smoothly between ideas, refocusing attention from vampire investigation work to best friend fiascoes and then back again with ease as Gardner has a perfect marriage between illustration and text, conveying information more easily. The illustrations themselves are simplistic in design, but are given a great charisma by the characters and will easily engage many readers. If you thought Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Sisters needed more vampires... this is the book for you!
Gardner's debut graphic novel works with themes of friendship and finding oneself to create the feel of a traditional coming-of-age story, but throws in fantastical elements to keep readers on their toes and laughing along the way. The story is carried by three-dimensional characters and smooth dialog. Each scene works to either progress the plot or develop a relationship so this hefty book flies by. It is worth mentioning that character relationships are not only developed, but developed in a positive manner; the best example of this is AJ and his sister who will quarrel but still show their love and support for each other at the end of the day. This type of role model is essential as stories will often depict sibling rivalry to be the norm.
The story flows smoothly between ideas, refocusing attention from vampire investigation work to best friend fiascoes and then back again with ease as Gardner has a perfect marriage between illustration and text, conveying information more easily. The illustrations themselves are simplistic in design, but are given a great charisma by the characters and will easily engage many readers. If you thought Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Sisters needed more vampires... this is the book for you!
January 5, 2019
Undoubtedly one of the cutest love stories and best graphic novels I've read. I LOVED this one and I really hope everyone else does too. Real review to come!
**EDIT 01/05/19**
You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...
Since graphic novels are so short, I'm not in the business of reading and reviewing them all the time. But with this one I HAD to because it was seriously so cute! So cute in fact that I have already asked two other librarians if they want me to send it to them!
AJ is his same boring self after having the entire summer off. He doesn't like the feeling that being left behind brings. Especially now that he has a crush. He wants her to see him. But all she likes are vampires. Should he really have to change who he is before she falls for him? Especially when there's so much more going on at the school than they thought?
By far, the best part of this was the characters. I LOVED AJ and I loved Nia even more. All the characters worked together to make this an awesome book. Everyone had their own purpose, comedic relief, love interest, protector, annoyance, etc. and for it to be a graphic novel, I was impressed in how developed all of them were. Some full length novels can pull off character depth and Gardner's art and her words put the picture together amazingly!
The other thing I liked about this one was the nods to the library and Twilight. The library is a subtle one that some might not have gotten if they didn't participate in their summer reading program lol I thought it was really cute for her to add to the book. As for the Twilight references, I am still a fan of Twilight (the book, not so much the movies) but even I saw there was a bit much going on in that series and I find it super cute that this comic called those things out. In a really cute, really fun way.
Lastly, I want to talk about the art. It was AMAZING. Her attention to detail is what got me the most. From the small lines that showed Nia's braids and her little beads that she wore on them were SO. CUTE. This may have been her debut in graphic novels, but definitely not in art. This was totally amazing and now I really want to see her doodles or something lol It was seriously that good.
With graphic novels I rarely find any new authors or subjects I want to read. Lately I've been obsessed with Goldie Vance, Lumberjanes, and The Backstagers. I will now have to add Whitney Gardner to the list!
**EDIT 01/05/19**
You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...
Since graphic novels are so short, I'm not in the business of reading and reviewing them all the time. But with this one I HAD to because it was seriously so cute! So cute in fact that I have already asked two other librarians if they want me to send it to them!
AJ is his same boring self after having the entire summer off. He doesn't like the feeling that being left behind brings. Especially now that he has a crush. He wants her to see him. But all she likes are vampires. Should he really have to change who he is before she falls for him? Especially when there's so much more going on at the school than they thought?
By far, the best part of this was the characters. I LOVED AJ and I loved Nia even more. All the characters worked together to make this an awesome book. Everyone had their own purpose, comedic relief, love interest, protector, annoyance, etc. and for it to be a graphic novel, I was impressed in how developed all of them were. Some full length novels can pull off character depth and Gardner's art and her words put the picture together amazingly!
The other thing I liked about this one was the nods to the library and Twilight. The library is a subtle one that some might not have gotten if they didn't participate in their summer reading program lol I thought it was really cute for her to add to the book. As for the Twilight references, I am still a fan of Twilight (the book, not so much the movies) but even I saw there was a bit much going on in that series and I find it super cute that this comic called those things out. In a really cute, really fun way.
Lastly, I want to talk about the art. It was AMAZING. Her attention to detail is what got me the most. From the small lines that showed Nia's braids and her little beads that she wore on them were SO. CUTE. This may have been her debut in graphic novels, but definitely not in art. This was totally amazing and now I really want to see her doodles or something lol It was seriously that good.
With graphic novels I rarely find any new authors or subjects I want to read. Lately I've been obsessed with Goldie Vance, Lumberjanes, and The Backstagers. I will now have to add Whitney Gardner to the list!
September 3, 2018
Well wasn’t this just adorable. Full review to come!
October 30, 2021
I read this in one sitting! Adorable, heartwarming, and wholesome, with plenty of nods to the popular vampire culture I (admittedly) embraced as a teenager. A perfect read for fall!
September 15, 2018
Adorable, fun, and full of references that will keep book lovers laughing out loud to the very end. FAKE BLOOD is an absolutely unputtdownable graphic novel for readers of all ages.
Read
June 26, 2019Meh... this seemed cute but I was just so bored I ended up returning it to the library before finishing it.
September 15, 2018
Super fun! Definitely a blast for vampire fans. I love that it was set in Portland and there were lots of fun references to the city.
September 17, 2018
What a fun graphic novel!
August 23, 2018
A not-so-average vampire book about a boy, a girl, crushes, youth, and friendship. This was so sweet and wholesome and I loved it.
Review to come
Review to come
November 15, 2019
This vaguely felt like a middle grade twilight parody... which should speak for itself 😆
August 31, 2022
Throw your vamp teeth on, tease your hair, and darken your eyes — it's time for an episode of "am I cool enough for my crush yet?"
Whitney Gardner's Fake Blood is middle school woe spiced with a dash of middle school delight. Full of preteen antics and just the right amount of Twilight references, readers of every age will enjoy this fun, and oft relatable, graphic novel.
Whitney Gardner's Fake Blood is middle school woe spiced with a dash of middle school delight. Full of preteen antics and just the right amount of Twilight references, readers of every age will enjoy this fun, and oft relatable, graphic novel.
September 12, 2018
A hilarious, charming, and very real story about fake blood, crushes, and vampires.
August 11, 2021
3.5 stars, set in Portland, Maine, meet AJ, Hunter, Ivy and Nia who are figuring out the world of middle school (aka sixth grade). AJ likes Nia. Hunter and Ivy are constantly bickering as they try to one up each other (do they like each other too?). AJ decides to become a vampire to impress Nia. Will it work? Or is there something else AJ should know about Nia and his other two friends? Could it be that there are
actual
vampires living in Portland? The more you read, the darker and more ominous this story becomes.
If you know tweens or young teens who have read Twilight, this is for them. In addition, those who enjoy making fun of vampire stories will enjoy this graphic novel parody.
If you know tweens or young teens who have read Twilight, this is for them. In addition, those who enjoy making fun of vampire stories will enjoy this graphic novel parody.
December 21, 2018
The best Twilight parody ever. They go to a school called SPOONS Middle School.
September 12, 2018
A nice mash-up of the coming of age story with a clear send up of the Twilight series. Perfectly-situated for that entering middle school reader navigating the changes that come with getting older and the transitions that come along with growth.
Funny!
Funny!
November 28, 2018
Fake Blood is cute and kinda fun, but it is also terrifically dull and tediously overlong. Exceptional art can sometimes make up for these issues...and that's not the case here with Whitney Gardner's simple, colorful illustrations. I know I'm not the target market for a graphic novel featuring sixth graders, but I think even sixth graders would be bored here.
Here's the plot, such as it is: AJ likes books and Nia, Nia likes vampires, AJ decides to dress up like a vampire to get Nia to like him. Totally logical. AJ has some rambunctious friends and a smartaleck sister. The "dress-up-like-a-vampire" plan goes awry, but in an unpredictably weird way. Then more vampire-related weirdness happens. I guess I'm trying not to give away spoilers, but trust me: the reveals are not exciting.
Maybe vampire fans who are too young for Twilight will get a kick out of this? The real tragedy is that this should have been a story about AJ realizing he doesn't need to fake being a vampire to seem cool. Instead, it goes wildly off the rails in the third act and becomes about nothing at all.
Here's the plot, such as it is: AJ likes books and Nia, Nia likes vampires, AJ decides to dress up like a vampire to get Nia to like him. Totally logical. AJ has some rambunctious friends and a smartaleck sister. The "dress-up-like-a-vampire" plan goes awry, but in an unpredictably weird way. Then more vampire-related weirdness happens. I guess I'm trying not to give away spoilers, but trust me: the reveals are not exciting.
Maybe vampire fans who are too young for Twilight will get a kick out of this? The real tragedy is that this should have been a story about AJ realizing he doesn't need to fake being a vampire to seem cool. Instead, it goes wildly off the rails in the third act and becomes about nothing at all.
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