by Kalynn Bayron (Author)
Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolizing The Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don't take even the most basic vampire precautions--the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews long gone--but Boog's parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment.
When a friend goes missing, Boog isn't sure what to think. Could it be the school counselor, Mr. Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all?
No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call. Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Watchmen, this adventure launches readers into an exciting new series.
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Bayron (This Poison Heart) makes her middle grade debut with an inventive suburban vampire mystery. Twenty years after the Reaping saw an end to the undead's last hive at the hands of the heroic Vanquishers, San Antonio prepares for an anniversary celebration, Vanquisher Appreciation Week. Though most residents believe that the world is now vampire-free, the families of irreverent brown-skinned sixth graders Cedrick, Jules, and Boog--together known as the Squad--aren't so sure, and they continue to maintain the old ways. They never go outdoors after nightfall, never invite strangers into their homes, and coat every entryway with a homemade garlic-and-silver vampire repellent. Often bullied for their parents' collective vampire concerns, the Squad yearns for their parents to move on--until new neighbor Aaron goes missing during a school fund-raiser. As their formerly sheltered world closes in and their parents grow more protective and secretive than ever, the Squad sets out to track down their new friend. Combining mythology and science to produce a fresh take on modern vampire lore, Bayron erects a fantastical San Antonio that is as chock-full of personality as each of the story's characters. Pithy dialogue and sensational description make this a speedy, eerie read. Ages 8-11. Agent: Jamie Vankirk, Rainbow Nerds Literary. (Sept.)
Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission."A sharp vampire tale full of bite, heart, and humor that's sure to please any 'thirsty' reader. The undead don't stand a chance with Malika 'Boog' Wilson and her friends on the case." —Rena Barron, author of the Maya and the Rising Dark series
"A heart-pounding and hilarious reimagining of classic vampire mythology. Boog and her friends will capture your heart in an instant. You'll cry, laugh, and ache in this stunning, unique adventure. I'm ready to become a Vanquisher!" —Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS "This middle grade treat serves as a thrilling Vamps 101 intro. . . . The author's eloquent command of familiar language and knack for quirky humor makes this a fast-paced read that begs for a follow-up." —BCCBKalynn Bayron is the author of young adult novels Cinderella Is Dead, This Poison Heart, and This Wicked Fate, and is a classically trained vocalist. She grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. When she's not writing you can find her listening to Ella Fitzgerald on loop, attending the theater, watching scary movies, and spending time with her kids. She currently lives in Ithaca, New York with her family.
www.kalynnbayron.com