Thirteen-year-old Ivan is a tender-hearted vampire who prefers a plant-based diet. In his daydreams, he rejects his destiny and hangs out in the human world forever! But would it be worth it if it means hiding his truest self?
Born into a family of vampires, cheerful Ivan is a black sheep: he loves sunshine, his best friends are human, and he can’t stomach the thought of eating meat.
So when Ivan’s vampire fangs come in on his first day of eighth grade, he’s determined to keep them a secret. He wants to stay in day school, with his sweet group of human BFFs, rather than transfer to night school with the rest of the teenage vampire crowd. Sure, that means he’ll have to lie to everyone, but how hard can it be? He will just act normal.
Keeping his secret gets much harder when Ivan is assigned a new lab partner: transfer student Damien. Around him, Ivan acts anything but normal. He’s fainting and fumbling and far from blending in. Ivan even finds himself thinking about blood and heartbeats and vampire kisses . . . All. Day. Long.
Is it safe to spend time with humans, or is Ivan turning into a bloodthirsty vampire against his wishes? He always thought he would do anything to stay in the human world, but maybe it’s too dangerous to keep pretending. . . .
Fans of Fake Blood will sink their teeth into this graphic novel that’s perfect for readers navigating first crushes, unpredictable emotions, and the perils of middle school. Featuring LBGTQ+ characters and a unique, homespun art style, Snyder’s debut is fang-tastic.
Marker Snyder is an illustrator, designer, and graphic artist currently based in Kingston, NY, where he lives in a rainbow house with his husband, two cats, and a very friendly turtle. Formerly a curator and exhibition designer in NYC, he now works primarily on developing illustrated projects for kids—from picture books through middle grade. Visit him online at www.drawingwithmarker.com
Snyder effectively uses color to create contrast between the human and vampire worlds, casting humans in sunny yellows and vampires in moody blues, which emphasize Ivan’s feelings. . . . A sincere and insightful story of personal growth and acceptance. —Kirkus Reviews
Snyder's supernatural spin on this classic coming-of-age, queer tween romance will enhance its appeal, as will his easygoing artwork, thoughtfully colored predominantly in shades of blue and yellow with occasional pops of red. A Halloween-worthy romance with a satisfying ending. —Booklist
There’s a lot of heart (along with some blood) in the story, as an insecure Ivan struggles with the expectations of his family, and readers with parents who don’t always take stock in what their kids want will have empathy for Ivan’s situation. —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Thirteen-year-old Ivan is a tender-hearted vampire who prefers a plant-based diet. In his daydreams, he rejects his destiny and hangs out in the human world forever! But would it be worth it if it means hiding his truest self?
Born into a family of vampires, cheerful Ivan is a black sheep: he loves sunshine, his best friends are human, and he can’t stomach the thought of eating meat.
So when Ivan’s vampire fangs come in on his first day of eighth grade, he’s determined to keep them a secret. He wants to stay in day school, with his sweet group of human BFFs, rather than transfer to night school with the rest of the teenage vampire crowd. Sure, that means he’ll have to lie to everyone, but how hard can it be? He will just act normal.
Keeping his secret gets much harder when Ivan is assigned a new lab partner: transfer student Damien. Around him, Ivan acts anything but normal. He’s fainting and fumbling and far from blending in. Ivan even finds himself thinking about blood and heartbeats and vampire kisses . . . All. Day. Long.
Is it safe to spend time with humans, or is Ivan turning into a bloodthirsty vampire against his wishes? He always thought he would do anything to stay in the human world, but maybe it’s too dangerous to keep pretending. . . .
Fans of Fake Blood will sink their teeth into this graphic novel that’s perfect for readers navigating first crushes, unpredictable emotions, and the perils of middle school. Featuring LBGTQ+ characters and a unique, homespun art style, Snyder’s debut is fang-tastic.
Creators
Marker Snyder is an illustrator, designer, and graphic artist currently based in Kingston, NY, where he lives in a rainbow house with his husband, two cats, and a very friendly turtle. Formerly a curator and exhibition designer in NYC, he now works primarily on developing illustrated projects for kids—from picture books through middle grade. Visit him online at www.drawingwithmarker.com
Snyder effectively uses color to create contrast between the human and vampire worlds, casting humans in sunny yellows and vampires in moody blues, which emphasize Ivan’s feelings. . . . A sincere and insightful story of personal growth and acceptance. —Kirkus Reviews
Snyder's supernatural spin on this classic coming-of-age, queer tween romance will enhance its appeal, as will his easygoing artwork, thoughtfully colored predominantly in shades of blue and yellow with occasional pops of red. A Halloween-worthy romance with a satisfying ending. —Booklist
There’s a lot of heart (along with some blood) in the story, as an insecure Ivan struggles with the expectations of his family, and readers with parents who don’t always take stock in what their kids want will have empathy for Ivan’s situation. —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
