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A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural #1
Hanging with Vampires: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural
Discover everything about vampires in this laugh-out-loud nonfiction handbook packed with spooky legends, fascinating history, and weird facts perfect for middle-grade readers and mythology fans!
Are vampires real? Who was Vlad the Impaler? Do vampire bats ever feed on humans? Find out in Hanging with Vampires, a field guide for the curious and the adventurous. Crack open the lid on this guide and you’ll
Bloodcurdling vampire mythology! What exactly is a vampire, anyway?Spine-chilling history and science! Uncover how the vampire legend got its start in the medieval ages. A who’s who of vampires! Get to know classic, iconic, and terrifying vampires in pop culture, from Dracula to Adventure Time.
Hanging with Vampires is the first book in the Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural series, a hilarious and haunting exploration of how myths and legends shape our lives. Sink your fangs into vampire lore and literature with enchanting illustrations and fun activities, like making garlic bread. It’s a spooky world out there–grab your guide, and let’s go!
Look for the next volume, Chilling with Ghosts, for another frightfully good read!
Are vampires real? Who was Vlad the Impaler? Do vampire bats ever feed on humans? Find out in Hanging with Vampires, a field guide for the curious and the adventurous. Crack open the lid on this guide and you’ll
Bloodcurdling vampire mythology! What exactly is a vampire, anyway?Spine-chilling history and science! Uncover how the vampire legend got its start in the medieval ages. A who’s who of vampires! Get to know classic, iconic, and terrifying vampires in pop culture, from Dracula to Adventure Time.
Hanging with Vampires is the first book in the Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural series, a hilarious and haunting exploration of how myths and legends shape our lives. Sink your fangs into vampire lore and literature with enchanting illustrations and fun activities, like making garlic bread. It’s a spooky world out there–grab your guide, and let’s go!
Look for the next volume, Chilling with Ghosts, for another frightfully good read!
130 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 28, 2023
3 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Insha Fitzpatrick
9 books17 followers☀ Cancer | ↑Capricorn | ☾ Gemini
She/They
Insha Fitzpatrick is a New Jersey-based writer and editor.
She’s the founder of DIS/MEMBER, a horror genre website.
She’s the writer of the upcoming Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Rosa Parks for WHO HQ, illustrated by Abelle Hayford. She’s also the co-writer of the middle-grade graphic novel series Oh My Gods (Etch) with Stephanie Cooke and illustrator Juliana Moon.
Her bylines include Geek.com, Birth.Movies.Death, Women Write About Comics, Frederator Studios, and more. She giggles on the podcast Film Runners. She also wrote the game “The Pollution of Conatha” in Uncaged Anthology Vol. 2, 2019.
When she’s not writing, she’s watching horror movies or reality tv, deep-diving into all things true crime, and learning how to ink comics.
She’s rep’d by Maria Vicente of P.S Literary Agency.
She/They
Insha Fitzpatrick is a New Jersey-based writer and editor.
She’s the founder of DIS/MEMBER, a horror genre website.
She’s the writer of the upcoming Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott: Rosa Parks for WHO HQ, illustrated by Abelle Hayford. She’s also the co-writer of the middle-grade graphic novel series Oh My Gods (Etch) with Stephanie Cooke and illustrator Juliana Moon.
Her bylines include Geek.com, Birth.Movies.Death, Women Write About Comics, Frederator Studios, and more. She giggles on the podcast Film Runners. She also wrote the game “The Pollution of Conatha” in Uncaged Anthology Vol. 2, 2019.
When she’s not writing, she’s watching horror movies or reality tv, deep-diving into all things true crime, and learning how to ink comics.
She’s rep’d by Maria Vicente of P.S Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 9, 2023
Author Insha Fitzgerald has penned a guaranteed hit with kids (and their grownups). Hanging with Vampires dabbles in vampire “facts,” the history of vampire lore, and a greatest hits of vampire books, films, and adaptations. I can’t imagine a tween who wouldn’t adore getting this chapter book as a gift. It’s just the right amount of informative, funny, and scary (a little but not too much).
I’m not the target audience, but I loved this book so much. I can’t wait for Fitzgerald’s upcoming Chilling with Ghosts.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not the target audience, but I loved this book so much. I can’t wait for Fitzgerald’s upcoming Chilling with Ghosts.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Heavily informative and fun guide to vampire history and lore! Besides the amazing artwork and showcasing the different kinds of vampires, it also gives a necessary look onto diversity and representation. You best believe I'll be trying out that garlic bread recipe as soon as possible!
Heavily informative and fun guide to vampire history and lore! Besides the amazing artwork and showcasing the different kinds of vampires, it also gives a necessary look onto diversity and representation. You best believe I'll be trying out that garlic bread recipe as soon as possible!
December 10, 2022
This book is a must have for vamipre fans of all ages! The art is gorgeous (like, I would hang this on my wall gorgeous) the writing is fun, whitty and easy to read. I love all the different lists, pictures, fun facts, recipes, "interviews" etc.
Little 12 year old me with a raging adhd hyperfixation on vampires would have been OBSESSED with this book. Even as an adult I absolutely loved it.
Seriously, if you or someone you know is a fan of vampires, you need to get this book.
I also loved that it was incusive, talking about vampire legends from all over the world, critiquing twilight, and also discussing lgbtq+ history with vampires in media.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Little 12 year old me with a raging adhd hyperfixation on vampires would have been OBSESSED with this book. Even as an adult I absolutely loved it.
Seriously, if you or someone you know is a fan of vampires, you need to get this book.
I also loved that it was incusive, talking about vampire legends from all over the world, critiquing twilight, and also discussing lgbtq+ history with vampires in media.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 5, 2025dedicato a ogni mini-detective del soprannaturale, da leggere “per pura noia o assoluta curiosità” (nel mio caso, la seconda!), questa deliziosa mini-guida è una perfetta introduzione al vasto e variegato mondo dei vampiri. negli ultimi anni ho affondato i denti qua e là nei vampiri di cinema e letteratura, dimenticando di chiedermi quali fossero le origini di queste strane creature sotto un punto di vista antropologico, scientifico e sociologico. e ho imparato davvero tante cose! le leggende dei succhiasangue dalla Cina al Ghana, la vampirofobia come risposta alle malattie epidemiche, la scienza della decomposizione, la differenza tra bara e feretro, il perché i vampiri non si riflettono negli specchi, e anche la ricetta del pane all’aglio (squisito da mordersi le dita, altro che leccersele).
pensato per giovani lettorə avventurosə (perché l’inclusione è sempre bella!) contiene tantissimi riquadri con approfondimenti scientifici e storici, interviste coi vampiri e attività per andare in esplorazione. visto che da piccola una volta mi sono persa in un bosco a caccia di fate, se avessi avuto questo libro tra le mani a dieci anni a questo punto sarei Van Helsing. ci sono tanti spunti anche per noi lettorə più grandicelli: per esempio il kit mordi-e-fuggi include una boccetta spray con acqua santa e una bottiglia piena di acqua normale... perché l’idratazione è importante (mi sono sentita vista, colpita e affondata. ho bevuto subito).
quello che mi è più piaciuto è la consapevolezza e l’onestà con cui l’autrice si rivolge a chi legge. il vampiro è una “creatura-puzzle” e come tale dev’essere interpretata in relazione al mondo che l’ha prodotta. un vampiro non è solo un’invenzione fantastica, ma è il riflesso di una società che può essere ora sessista, con donne narrate come gelose vendicatrici, ora razzista, in cui tutto ciò che è diverso è percepito come nemico. per non parlare di come nell’ultimo secolo i vampiri mainstream hanno avuto tutti lo stesso aspetto, senza rappresentare diversità di etnia, provenienza, genere, abilità o sessualità. oggi per fortuna la rappresentatività “mette un piedino nel lato oscuro dei vampiri”! nelle ultime pagine ho scoperto una valanga di film BIPOC e LGBT+ tutti entrati in watchlist: più di tutti mi sconfinfera la webserie di Carmilla, uscita più di dieci anni fa su youtube (ho vissuto dieci anni nell’ombra? o sarebbe più appropriato dire in una bara?).
ma soprattutto, questo libro ci invita a ricordarci sempre che “anche se non si riflettono negli specchi, [i vampiri] hanno la capacità di riflettere molto bene il mondo attorno a loro, anche quando cambia”.
due fondamentali menzioni d’onore vanno senza dubbio alle bellebellissime illustrazioni di Lilla Bölecz e alla traduzione freschissima e scorrevole di Silvia Costantino.
pensato per giovani lettorə avventurosə (perché l’inclusione è sempre bella!) contiene tantissimi riquadri con approfondimenti scientifici e storici, interviste coi vampiri e attività per andare in esplorazione. visto che da piccola una volta mi sono persa in un bosco a caccia di fate, se avessi avuto questo libro tra le mani a dieci anni a questo punto sarei Van Helsing. ci sono tanti spunti anche per noi lettorə più grandicelli: per esempio il kit mordi-e-fuggi include una boccetta spray con acqua santa e una bottiglia piena di acqua normale... perché l’idratazione è importante (mi sono sentita vista, colpita e affondata. ho bevuto subito).
quello che mi è più piaciuto è la consapevolezza e l’onestà con cui l’autrice si rivolge a chi legge. il vampiro è una “creatura-puzzle” e come tale dev’essere interpretata in relazione al mondo che l’ha prodotta. un vampiro non è solo un’invenzione fantastica, ma è il riflesso di una società che può essere ora sessista, con donne narrate come gelose vendicatrici, ora razzista, in cui tutto ciò che è diverso è percepito come nemico. per non parlare di come nell’ultimo secolo i vampiri mainstream hanno avuto tutti lo stesso aspetto, senza rappresentare diversità di etnia, provenienza, genere, abilità o sessualità. oggi per fortuna la rappresentatività “mette un piedino nel lato oscuro dei vampiri”! nelle ultime pagine ho scoperto una valanga di film BIPOC e LGBT+ tutti entrati in watchlist: più di tutti mi sconfinfera la webserie di Carmilla, uscita più di dieci anni fa su youtube (ho vissuto dieci anni nell’ombra? o sarebbe più appropriato dire in una bara?).
ma soprattutto, questo libro ci invita a ricordarci sempre che “anche se non si riflettono negli specchi, [i vampiri] hanno la capacità di riflettere molto bene il mondo attorno a loro, anche quando cambia”.
due fondamentali menzioni d’onore vanno senza dubbio alle bellebellissime illustrazioni di Lilla Bölecz e alla traduzione freschissima e scorrevole di Silvia Costantino.
March 26, 2023
Oh, my heart! This book is divine. I can’t say enough good things about it.
The art is superb. A hint spooky, a hint goofy, and completely darling. It balanced the topic at hand nicely.
And the content is completely on the nose. A super high level look at the concept of vampires throughout history, with some scientific explanations thrown in, is a great introduction to the supernatural for anyone who’s interested.
My favorite part was when it got to vampires in film, and it got into Twilight. I was choking down the full page write up on what the movie was about, until I turned that page and read the full page caveat about how it’s a problematic movie and why critics of it will say it is. I LOVED IT. And then the whole following section about the growing diversity around vampires and how not diverse the myth was until very recently. It’s pretty much impossible not to talk about vampires in cinema without talking about Twilight, and I think Fitzpatrick addressed all that wonderfully.
HANGING WITH VAMPIRES approaches topics like intersectionality, the value of representation in literature and film, and the deeper dives behind the cultural meaning of the vampire throughout history in a way that’s understandable and relatable and puts things into context. It provides just enough nuance that, if a reader wanted to look deeper into a particular topic, the author has given that reader just enough of a hint as to where to go from there. Loved it.
Unfortunately, that means it will likely get banned because Fitzpatrick deigned to bring a “woke” attitude to a classic creature. We don’t want to indoctrinate our children, you hear? 🙄 <– That’s an eye-roll emoji in case you can’t see it.
This book is a great starting place for those new to the lore, young or old. The tone of the book is fun and upbeat, but it doesn’t shy away from more difficult topics and some of the deeply rooted issues surrounding vampire lore. If you know of anyone who’s toeing the line of the supernatural, HANGING WITH VAMPIRES is for them, regardless of age. Plus Fitzpatrick talks about two of my favorite movies: The Lost Boys and Vampires vs the Bronx. So of course it’s fantastic. 😁
5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The art is superb. A hint spooky, a hint goofy, and completely darling. It balanced the topic at hand nicely.
And the content is completely on the nose. A super high level look at the concept of vampires throughout history, with some scientific explanations thrown in, is a great introduction to the supernatural for anyone who’s interested.
My favorite part was when it got to vampires in film, and it got into Twilight. I was choking down the full page write up on what the movie was about, until I turned that page and read the full page caveat about how it’s a problematic movie and why critics of it will say it is. I LOVED IT. And then the whole following section about the growing diversity around vampires and how not diverse the myth was until very recently. It’s pretty much impossible not to talk about vampires in cinema without talking about Twilight, and I think Fitzpatrick addressed all that wonderfully.
HANGING WITH VAMPIRES approaches topics like intersectionality, the value of representation in literature and film, and the deeper dives behind the cultural meaning of the vampire throughout history in a way that’s understandable and relatable and puts things into context. It provides just enough nuance that, if a reader wanted to look deeper into a particular topic, the author has given that reader just enough of a hint as to where to go from there. Loved it.
Unfortunately, that means it will likely get banned because Fitzpatrick deigned to bring a “woke” attitude to a classic creature. We don’t want to indoctrinate our children, you hear? 🙄 <– That’s an eye-roll emoji in case you can’t see it.
This book is a great starting place for those new to the lore, young or old. The tone of the book is fun and upbeat, but it doesn’t shy away from more difficult topics and some of the deeply rooted issues surrounding vampire lore. If you know of anyone who’s toeing the line of the supernatural, HANGING WITH VAMPIRES is for them, regardless of age. Plus Fitzpatrick talks about two of my favorite movies: The Lost Boys and Vampires vs the Bronx. So of course it’s fantastic. 😁
5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2023
4+ stars
This was a fun kids’ book. The content was good; references to everything from Dracula to Buffy to Twilight were enjoyable, as were the great illustrations. It was also a very fitting time for me to finally get to this one (thanks, Dracula Daily!). I appreciated the intentional inclusion of discussion about representation and identity throughout the text, and although I felt like there were a few too many exclamation marks used, I largely enjoyed mix of lighthearted prose, recipes/other side notes, and creepy traditional folktales from different regions. Overall, this was a fun read for kids who are interested in learning a bit more about some of the popular mythology and traditions surrounding vampires in media.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun kids’ book. The content was good; references to everything from Dracula to Buffy to Twilight were enjoyable, as were the great illustrations. It was also a very fitting time for me to finally get to this one (thanks, Dracula Daily!). I appreciated the intentional inclusion of discussion about representation and identity throughout the text, and although I felt like there were a few too many exclamation marks used, I largely enjoyed mix of lighthearted prose, recipes/other side notes, and creepy traditional folktales from different regions. Overall, this was a fun read for kids who are interested in learning a bit more about some of the popular mythology and traditions surrounding vampires in media.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2023
*Thank you to Netgalley and Quirk Books for an advanced reading copy!*
A nonfiction book about Vampires? My interest was immediately piqued when I read the description, but I didn’t know how the author would pull it off. Well, within just a few pages of reading this book, I knew I loved it. Yes, the book is about vampires - but it uses the topic to address history, science, culture, and media literacy. The book includes some awesome research about topics like vampire bats, decomposition of bodies, and health benefits of garlic.
The entire book is written in a lighthearted tone, which allows this dark topic to be explored in a totally kid-friendly way. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the text, and even reluctant readers will find themselves interested in the infographic-styled data that can be found in the book. Grades 4+
A nonfiction book about Vampires? My interest was immediately piqued when I read the description, but I didn’t know how the author would pull it off. Well, within just a few pages of reading this book, I knew I loved it. Yes, the book is about vampires - but it uses the topic to address history, science, culture, and media literacy. The book includes some awesome research about topics like vampire bats, decomposition of bodies, and health benefits of garlic.
The entire book is written in a lighthearted tone, which allows this dark topic to be explored in a totally kid-friendly way. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the text, and even reluctant readers will find themselves interested in the infographic-styled data that can be found in the book. Grades 4+
May 16, 2023
This book was so much fun.
If you know me, you know that I love everything vampire related so I had a blast reading this book.
The illustrations were funny and cool and it made the book even more unique.
I love that there's nothing too gory or scary in this book but you can learn a lot about the myth and facts surrounding vampires.
This is definitely a must read if you love vampires.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
If you know me, you know that I love everything vampire related so I had a blast reading this book.
The illustrations were funny and cool and it made the book even more unique.
I love that there's nothing too gory or scary in this book but you can learn a lot about the myth and facts surrounding vampires.
This is definitely a must read if you love vampires.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
January 1, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for this copy.
This juvenile book is a cute how to guide about vampires, the mythology and their place in history and literature. The artwork and design is great. This is a actually a very good guide for young people about the history of vampires, their place in popular culture and the science behind the myth of vampires. Definitely a 5 star book.
This juvenile book is a cute how to guide about vampires, the mythology and their place in history and literature. The artwork and design is great. This is a actually a very good guide for young people about the history of vampires, their place in popular culture and the science behind the myth of vampires. Definitely a 5 star book.
April 3, 2023
This was a really great read! I loved learning all about vampires. My favorite section was the one where we got to learn all about vampires in other cultures. I will also definitely be trying that garlic bread recipe. This was really informative and I loved reading it.
February 17, 2023
*Received ARC from Quirk Books Super Secret Book Club*
I was very interested in this book because I am in LOVE with the Twilight Series. It did not disappoint. I learned a lot of things about vampires and also some books and movies to watch in the future.
I also learned how to make some killer garlic bread!
I was very interested in this book because I am in LOVE with the Twilight Series. It did not disappoint. I learned a lot of things about vampires and also some books and movies to watch in the future.
I also learned how to make some killer garlic bread!
September 7, 2023
This was such a fun read and I really liked insha's sense of humor! Also this had A LOT of interesting facts that I didn't know
January 8, 2023
a fun guide to a generally-overrated side of the supernatural.
i've had my vampire phase, been out of it for quite a while, but randomly getting my hands on this book proved to be a nice way to spend a late night and procrastinate from doing real work.
i am however troubled with shelfing this... is it non-fiction considering it's a guide? or is it fiction cause... of the topic?
okay... imma give in to the inner child inside and consider this a somewhat scientific approach to a real creature. imma play along to the guide's actual goal.
i've had my vampire phase, been out of it for quite a while, but randomly getting my hands on this book proved to be a nice way to spend a late night and procrastinate from doing real work.
i am however troubled with shelfing this... is it non-fiction considering it's a guide? or is it fiction cause... of the topic?
okay... imma give in to the inner child inside and consider this a somewhat scientific approach to a real creature. imma play along to the guide's actual goal.
October 15, 2022
This was actually really freaking great!
July 24, 2025
cute, fun, quick read with lots of facts about things other than vampires !
February 1, 2023
The information was fairly good and covered a lot of different bases. (I mean, who would have thought a book about vampires would also include recipes, but I'm here for it) I'm glad the author touched on some things like Twilight's unhealthy portrayal of relationships and it was excellent to show vampire myths around the world (have never seen that in a comprehensive vampire book before!) PLUS the fact that there was literally a lot of lesbian vampire books? Very cool to acknowledge that history. (to say nothing about the breadth of medical/biological information packed into such a slim package)
There were two points that were frustrating for me - and these are probably more personal things I wish would be addressed more everywhere when bringing up vampire lore. In one instance, the author says that Dracula is described in the novel in the typical Hollywood way (with slicked back hair) when his description in the actual novel is far different (having 'profusely curly' hair, for example). At one point, the author acknowledges that one strange aspect of vampire mythos is mentioned in the novel Dracula - that vampires need 'soil from his homeland' to be able to move (but doesn't mention how in that same passage from the novel, the soil is described as 'smelling of ol' Jerusalem' - a strange descriptor for the novel and seems to be a dog whistle hoping to compare parasitic vampires to a parasitic notion of Jewish immigrants).
On one hand, I don't expect everyone to know about antisemitism, but on the other, I really wish that there can be gentle, careful ways to bring up all harmful aspects of cultural phenomena. Horror has a long history of demonizing 'the other'.' I think for kids today it could have lent to some fascinating conversations on how we view 'the other' and why outsiders were often portrayed as the villain.
Giving it four stars for all the things in the first paragraph! I think most kids would probably like it a lot (at least, kids that enjoy vampires/horror), the pacing of the writing is quick and informal (very conversational, which helps immerse the reader).
There were two points that were frustrating for me - and these are probably more personal things I wish would be addressed more everywhere when bringing up vampire lore. In one instance, the author says that Dracula is described in the novel in the typical Hollywood way (with slicked back hair) when his description in the actual novel is far different (having 'profusely curly' hair, for example). At one point, the author acknowledges that one strange aspect of vampire mythos is mentioned in the novel Dracula - that vampires need 'soil from his homeland' to be able to move (but doesn't mention how in that same passage from the novel, the soil is described as 'smelling of ol' Jerusalem' - a strange descriptor for the novel and seems to be a dog whistle hoping to compare parasitic vampires to a parasitic notion of Jewish immigrants).
On one hand, I don't expect everyone to know about antisemitism, but on the other, I really wish that there can be gentle, careful ways to bring up all harmful aspects of cultural phenomena. Horror has a long history of demonizing 'the other'.' I think for kids today it could have lent to some fascinating conversations on how we view 'the other' and why outsiders were often portrayed as the villain.
Giving it four stars for all the things in the first paragraph! I think most kids would probably like it a lot (at least, kids that enjoy vampires/horror), the pacing of the writing is quick and informal (very conversational, which helps immerse the reader).
September 7, 2023
100% recommend it for any kid who loves vamps or the supernatural.
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book! I absolutely love supernatural reference material of any kind. Gimme a good monster manual, cryptid hunter journal, or grimoire any day and I'll have a pleasant afternoon. This book is a fabulous addition to this very niche genre and as a super nerdy mom, I think it's spectacular that this book is written for kids!
The book is a very detailed and informative field guide to creatures of the night. It amazingly does serve as a verifiable non-fiction book. Sections include how to identify a vampire and guidance on how to combat them. The text is highly entertaining, while also educational and inclusive, and sprinkled throughout with tidbits of science and historical references. The content is perfect for middle-grade lovers of the paranormal. I also love the illustrations and feel they suit the material very well, striking a balance between being too kiddie or overly scary. Anyone born in the '90s or later will probably not fully appreciate all the pop-culture fan service for true vampire aficionados, but they can always ask their parents.
100% recommend it for any kid who loves vamps or the supernatural. Great idea for fall reading to get in the spirit around Halloween. And if they like this, the next in the series is Chilling with Ghosts. Hope there's more to come!
Thank you, Edelweiss and Quirk Books, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Link to purchase this title:
https://bookshop.org/a/91903/97816836...
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book! I absolutely love supernatural reference material of any kind. Gimme a good monster manual, cryptid hunter journal, or grimoire any day and I'll have a pleasant afternoon. This book is a fabulous addition to this very niche genre and as a super nerdy mom, I think it's spectacular that this book is written for kids!
The book is a very detailed and informative field guide to creatures of the night. It amazingly does serve as a verifiable non-fiction book. Sections include how to identify a vampire and guidance on how to combat them. The text is highly entertaining, while also educational and inclusive, and sprinkled throughout with tidbits of science and historical references. The content is perfect for middle-grade lovers of the paranormal. I also love the illustrations and feel they suit the material very well, striking a balance between being too kiddie or overly scary. Anyone born in the '90s or later will probably not fully appreciate all the pop-culture fan service for true vampire aficionados, but they can always ask their parents.
100% recommend it for any kid who loves vamps or the supernatural. Great idea for fall reading to get in the spirit around Halloween. And if they like this, the next in the series is Chilling with Ghosts. Hope there's more to come!
Thank you, Edelweiss and Quirk Books, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Link to purchase this title:
https://bookshop.org/a/91903/97816836...
May 2, 2023
"Hanging with Vampires" by Insha Fitzpatrick is a fun and informative field guide for middle-grade readers and mythology fans who are fascinated by vampires. This nonfiction handbook is a perfect blend of spooky legends, fascinating history, and weird facts that are presented in a humorous and engaging way.
The book covers everything you need to know about vampires, including their mythology, history, and science. The author provides a detailed exploration of how the vampire legend got its start in the medieval ages, and also examines some of the classic, iconic, and terrifying vampires in pop culture, from Dracula to Adventure Time.
The book is packed with interesting tidbits, and the writing is accessible and easy to follow. The illustrations are enchanting and add to the overall appeal of the book. The book also includes fun activities, like making garlic bread, that are sure to delight young readers.
Overall, "Hanging with Vampires" is a thoroughly enjoyable and educational read. It's a perfect gift for any young reader who loves all things spooky and supernatural. Highly recommended!
The book covers everything you need to know about vampires, including their mythology, history, and science. The author provides a detailed exploration of how the vampire legend got its start in the medieval ages, and also examines some of the classic, iconic, and terrifying vampires in pop culture, from Dracula to Adventure Time.
The book is packed with interesting tidbits, and the writing is accessible and easy to follow. The illustrations are enchanting and add to the overall appeal of the book. The book also includes fun activities, like making garlic bread, that are sure to delight young readers.
Overall, "Hanging with Vampires" is a thoroughly enjoyable and educational read. It's a perfect gift for any young reader who loves all things spooky and supernatural. Highly recommended!
May 10, 2023
My Rating: 5. An informative and funny guide to all things vampires.
Thank you Quirk Books for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.
What I Liked:
Hanging with Vampires is a fun information guide to all things, well, vampire, from what vampires are and how to spot one, to the tools you’ll need to defend against them. However, in my opinion, the two coolest sections talked about vampires in folklore around the world, and vampires in literature and movies. Comparing how we have told many different stories of beings who suck human blood from the Indigenous Americas to Africa to East Asia was awesome to learn, especially since “vampires” can look so different from one another. Also, tracking the origins of what modern audiences consider a vampire - from Bram Stoker’s Dracula - and seeing the evolution of the night creature is an interesting study of cultural storytelling and how we interpret folklore today. In addition to the main chapters, Fitzpatrick includes handy tips and tricks, clarifications in separate discussion boxes, and fun illustrations. Everything was easy to read - not overly complicated to difficult vocabulary, and if so, the vocab was explained and/or relevant. The “narrator” of the book had a fun voice that easily engages young readers as well. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for kids who love folklore, beasts and monsters, spooky creatures, descriptive field guides, and, of course, vampires! This makes me excited to read the author’s next entry, Chilling with Ghosts.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids interested in folklore, beasts and monsters, and horror.
Review Date: April 17
Thank you Quirk Books for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.
What I Liked:
Hanging with Vampires is a fun information guide to all things, well, vampire, from what vampires are and how to spot one, to the tools you’ll need to defend against them. However, in my opinion, the two coolest sections talked about vampires in folklore around the world, and vampires in literature and movies. Comparing how we have told many different stories of beings who suck human blood from the Indigenous Americas to Africa to East Asia was awesome to learn, especially since “vampires” can look so different from one another. Also, tracking the origins of what modern audiences consider a vampire - from Bram Stoker’s Dracula - and seeing the evolution of the night creature is an interesting study of cultural storytelling and how we interpret folklore today. In addition to the main chapters, Fitzpatrick includes handy tips and tricks, clarifications in separate discussion boxes, and fun illustrations. Everything was easy to read - not overly complicated to difficult vocabulary, and if so, the vocab was explained and/or relevant. The “narrator” of the book had a fun voice that easily engages young readers as well. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for kids who love folklore, beasts and monsters, spooky creatures, descriptive field guides, and, of course, vampires! This makes me excited to read the author’s next entry, Chilling with Ghosts.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids interested in folklore, beasts and monsters, and horror.
Review Date: April 17
March 10, 2023
I was approved for this on Netgalley and immediately downloaded it and read the whole thing. I don't think I've ever had so much fun reading non-fiction before.
This book is a delightful look into the gross history of vampires, how to spot and fight one, and their mark on movies, literature, and urban folklore. There are recipes, mad libs, interviews with famous people who created or inspired vampires as we know them today, and diagrams. The author also talks about diversity, inclusivity, and vampires that are representative of all people, including those that are LGBTQIA+.
The art in this book is delightful. The history was just gross enough, and there were tons of facts in here that will delight readers of all ages. I highly, highly recommend for anybody either interested in vampires, or anybody who wants a good laugh. I already can't wait to read it again.
10/10
This book is a delightful look into the gross history of vampires, how to spot and fight one, and their mark on movies, literature, and urban folklore. There are recipes, mad libs, interviews with famous people who created or inspired vampires as we know them today, and diagrams. The author also talks about diversity, inclusivity, and vampires that are representative of all people, including those that are LGBTQIA+.
The art in this book is delightful. The history was just gross enough, and there were tons of facts in here that will delight readers of all ages. I highly, highly recommend for anybody either interested in vampires, or anybody who wants a good laugh. I already can't wait to read it again.
10/10
May 11, 2023
"Vampires may not be real-real in the way you might have read in a book or seen in a movie, but.... their stories come from real history and culture."
Hanging with Vampires: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural is a cute guide to introducing younger readers to the myths and legends about vampires. It advises readers on how to fend off vampires, includes a garlic bread recipe and recommends books, movies, and tv shows that are about vampires.
I enjoyed the artwork within Hanging with Vampires and thought it was a nice little break from the paragraphs. I also liked the inclusion of extended facts under sections like, "Ye Old History", "Read All About It", and "According to Science." The book's lack of description for some facts and in-depth analysis of others was my main gripe about it.
3 stars
Hanging with Vampires: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural is a cute guide to introducing younger readers to the myths and legends about vampires. It advises readers on how to fend off vampires, includes a garlic bread recipe and recommends books, movies, and tv shows that are about vampires.
I enjoyed the artwork within Hanging with Vampires and thought it was a nice little break from the paragraphs. I also liked the inclusion of extended facts under sections like, "Ye Old History", "Read All About It", and "According to Science." The book's lack of description for some facts and in-depth analysis of others was my main gripe about it.
3 stars
November 1, 2025
A pretty fun ride, with good art, interesting facts, ties to art, science, and history. Sometimes it gets a little too cheesy (I’m not the target demo though) and I was a little annoyed by the preachy Twilight part- yeah it’s problematic, but so was literally every other story mentioned before, why does Twilight always have to be the punching bag? And no discussion of how people HATED it for just being a thing girls liked? Some good intro to media literacy stuff and I like that the recommendations for media to explore were a mix of kids stuff but also stuff aimed at adults.
Anyways, I can see this being really fun for kids while also sneaking in some “vegetables” so it has some substance. The interviews seemed a little silly to me and not all the gimmicks worked, but maybe they do for kids!
Anyways, I can see this being really fun for kids while also sneaking in some “vegetables” so it has some substance. The interviews seemed a little silly to me and not all the gimmicks worked, but maybe they do for kids!
August 18, 2023
A really fun walk through vampire history, lore, and modern depictions.
This is a great resource for kids and pre-teens to learn about how vampire stories started, different types of vampires around the world and the evolution of the vampire into the creatures we know today.
This book suggests a ton of great vampire books, movies and TV shows for varying ages, so even if an adult is reading they will come away with some great secondary material to keep them entertained.
There are also activities for kids between each chapter, like mad-libs, how to make garlic bread, how to compost, etc.
The book finishes off with a call for diversity and representation and has a list of movies and TV shows that took steps towards introducing diversity to the vampire world.
This is a great resource for kids and pre-teens to learn about how vampire stories started, different types of vampires around the world and the evolution of the vampire into the creatures we know today.
This book suggests a ton of great vampire books, movies and TV shows for varying ages, so even if an adult is reading they will come away with some great secondary material to keep them entertained.
There are also activities for kids between each chapter, like mad-libs, how to make garlic bread, how to compost, etc.
The book finishes off with a call for diversity and representation and has a list of movies and TV shows that took steps towards introducing diversity to the vampire world.
January 31, 2023
Fun and quirky read! This is a cute little middle grade read about vampires, their weaknesses and other fun vampire facts! This book was actually a decent bit more informative than I had been expecting, it includes a whole section on vampire-like creatures from various cultures around the world which was honestly a really nice touch, along with a section on various vampires in literature which was nice to see. The art and the information was wonderful and the inclusion of a bibliography was nice.
February 28, 2023
I really liked this. It's fun and informative with great illustrations throughout. The different sections work well, covering history, traditions from round the world, cultural changes and science. I did enjoy the snippets of scientific facts alongside the narrative style that was accessible and entertaining. There is plenty here to interest any young reader as well as highlighting real issues around some stories and films. It's well thought out and very enjoyable.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
February 19, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read and review! This was such a fun read! The art was so cute and the content itself was incredibly fun and engaging. I would say all age groups can sit down and enjoy reading this but I think its definitely geared towards the main audience being middle grade or a younger audience in general. This was a great dive into the world of vampires and get to know them in various aspects!
November 21, 2022
This was a fun nonfiction book to read with its conversational and sometimes humorous style. Fun related facts are presented throughout along with illustrations to add to the text. The book takes readers on historical vampire journeys, as well introduces vampires from around the world. We received a physical ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
April 8, 2023
What a fun and fabulous book! A delicious time spent trekking through vampire beginnings. A must-read for vampire fans of any age. A rather quick read, bringing the reader to vampires in recent literature and film, and I came away with a tidy list of things to watch/re-watch/read/read again. Highly recommend.
May 1, 2023
This is such a cute middle grade book on vampires! It covers their history and lore with a fun mix of pop culture and jokes. The illustrations were perfect for the "horror" vibe, yet still appropriate for this age group.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 4, 2023
Cute little book that mixes fact and fiction to explore vampirism. There are tons of pop culture references that feature vampires. It is definitely skews young with its explanations, but it is a harmless read for anyone who likes anything supernatural.
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