HIGH SCHOOL BITES

Conrad introduces a thoroughly contemporary heroine in Lucy Hellenberg, descendent of the Lucy who once captivated Bram Stoker, author of the original Dracula. Lucy is doing her best to survive being a sophomore in high school, complete with a reclusive father, prying teachers, an almost boyfriend and bad hair days in Seattle. Then, on her 16th birthday, she inherits a diary that has been passed down through the women in her family and learns that her English assignment is not just homework—it’s her life. As she and her best friend Mina are stalked through restaurants and malls by the living descendents of Dracula himself, she learns some grown-up lessons about self reliance, the importance of true friends and family and that being a girl doesn’t mean she’s a sissy. This volume contains little in the way of gore, focusing instead on the power of the mind, garlic cologne and holy water baths. A hip and fun read that emphasizes solid values, with just a touch of feminism. (Fantasy. YA)