Rating: 8.5 of 10 stars
Due to his father's new job, Cody Elliot's family has moved to New Sodom, Massachusetts, from California. By way of protest to the move, Cody can't be bothered doing much of any work in his new high school. He achieves an F in science, math, social studies, physical education, and English. His father demands to know how he even managed to get an F in homeroom, and is not happy to discover that it was because he didn't bother to show up.
In answer to this poor attitude, Cody's parents decide that he will have to attend a new school, a private school. It will be either Our Lady of Perpetual Homework, or the Vlad Dracul Magnet School. Since the concept of homework doesn't appeal to him, he opts for his first interview at Vlad Dracul.
After a very, very short meeting with the headmaster, Cody is admitted, despite his terrible grades, and realizes that something is quite different about the place. Was it was the pale complexion of all those tall slim students? That they all wore sunglasses out of doors? Or that the headmaster had a yellow-eyed wolf, Charon, for a companion? Hmm.
Later he discovers the reason for his speedy acceptance: he has promised to try out for water polo. It seems that, for Vlad Dracul to receive its state funding, it must provide for this competitive sport. Unfortunately, almost all of the other students are unwilling to swim. Is there a reason for all of these oddities?
Vampire High turns on its head the usual story of the odd stranger who doesn't fit in: the new student is one of the very few who *isn't* a vampire. The story is fast-paced, funny, and with enough real high school struggles and surprises for this reader's taste. All in all, a toothsome tale!
Usual borrowers: Fifth through eighth grades
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Mystery, People and relationships
Also: 8 1/2 or Better List
