Vampire and Werewolf Stories (Story Library)

An invigorating mix of classic and contemporary vampire and werewolf short stories includes contributions from authors such as Bram Stoker, Rudyard Kipling, Saki, and Angela Carter, providing an introduction to classic fiction and gothic horror. Original.

Gr. 5^-10. The seventeenth book in Kingfisher's Story Library series (all of which have the most matter-of-fact titles), this is an uneven anthology. Ranging from the 1890s through the 1990s, the 18 selections focus on the theme of transformation, which Durant suggests in his introduction is "parallel with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence." Writers from Bram Stoker to Roger Zelazny to Angela Carter are represented by tales of classic gothic horror, contemporary humor, and timeless regret. Despite the collection's theme, only a few stories will capture the young reader; others are wordy, lengthy, and obviously written with an adult audience in mind. The most moving and age-appropriate piece is Durant's own contribution, "Howl," which features a teenage boy who must destroy his only parent, a beloved father who has become a vicious and uncontrollable werewolf. Overall, the format is pedestrian, the illustrations are unimaginative, but this is still a solid subject addition for a school or public library collection. Holly Koelling