Peeps

* Bibliographic information
Westerfeld, S. Peeps. Penguin Group, 2005. ISBN: 9781595140319.

- BCCB Blue Ribbon Fiction Book
- BBYA top ten book of the year
- School Library Journal Best Books, 2005


* Plot Summary
Peeps is a very entertaining book about vampires; they are considered “parasite positive” or “peeps.” The main character, Cal is a hunter of peeps; he is parasite positive himself but is not a vampire, he is just a carrier. One symptom of his situation is he craves sex but he has vowed to avoid sex because he could infect someone with the parasite; it is an STD. Of course he then meets the girl of his dreams, Lace and struggles with his condition. The book explores the world of parasites and rats to back up the science used in the text to explain the disease. The creepy world of parasites and rats make for a great combination of funny and scary when reading this book.


* Critical Evaluation
Cal is a humorous character and his description of the events that occur and the world around him make for an entertaining story. Westerfeld’s descriptions and reasons why the vampires or “peeps” exist seem almost plausible because the science he uses to back up his theory is scarily possible. Everyone is afraid of rats and the diseases they carry so it makes the book that much more interesting. The character is out of high school and a bit older which can sometimes make the story more interesting to teens. All and all the book is funny and entertaining because of Cal’s take on things. Being in Cal’s head allows the reader to really understand his situation and the anxiety he feels when he is around the girl of his dreams, Lace.


* Reader’s Annotation
Cal leads a strange life; he hunts people who share the same disease as him; they are all parasite positive or “peeps”. The parasite can be spread by something as innocent as kissing, it is hard for 19-year-old Cal to keep from spreading the parasite because all he thinks about is girls.


* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Even though Cal knew he might infect Lace, why did he continue to see her and torture himself?
2) Discuss the peep cat, why do you think Westerfeld chose a cat rather than some other animal? 3) Talk about why Westerfeld chose to not use the word vampire and instead peep or parasite positive?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Sex, Vampires

Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Peeps-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1595140832/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259800592&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book is a really fun read and one that I truly enjoyed reading a few years ago; I had to include it on the blog. I love vampire books, but what I love even more are funny vampire books so adding the book was a must. Cal is a hilarious character. Reading about him wanting to be with a girl so bad but not being able to because of his condition is comical. The peep cat that has people do his dirty work is also a genius addition to the story. Then Westerfeld adds in the fact that Cal knows lots of Elvis trivia because he is a huge fan and there is no way to avoid loving this book.