Blood and Chocolate

* Bibliographic information
Klause, A. C. Blood and Chocolate. Delacorte, 1997. ISBN: 9780385323055

- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 1997
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 1998
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 1998
- School Library Journal Best Books: 1997


* Plot Summary
Vivian has lost her father and is trying hard to deal with her grieving mother who is slowly self-destructing. Vivian is also a werewolf; part of a pack that is currently unorganized after losing her father because of another werewolf’s mistake. The pact has moved to a different area which means a new school for Vivian. She is feeling alone and does not relate to the male werewolves of her age in the pact, because they are out of control and reckless. She meets a human boy, Aiden who she becomes friends with and starts to like. She is supposed to be with a werewolf but she desires Aiden, a human. She worries he will no longer like her if she shows him what she is. Even if she can make him love her, werewolf and all, she knows she will have to fight her pack to keep him safe if she wants to have a life with him.


* Critical Evaluation
This is a beautifully written tale of a teenager who just wants a normal life. Vivian is a werewolf; she has more to deal with than most teens. Still, she is a strong female who worries about the pack and the well being of her mother. When the human, Aiden comes along and she realizes she has feelings for him she knows it is her one chance at happiness. Nobody in the pack thinks of her feelings or wants so it is up to her to take care of them. She is a brave character and teens will love her for that. Teens will also love the action that comes with the werewolves and the contrast between Gabriel and Aiden. Klause illustrates scenes with her writing that allow readers to imagine exactly what is happening and what it would look like if they were there. A great story for fans of fantasy and young adult novels.


* Reader’s Annotation
Teenage Vivian is having trouble adjusting to a new life in a new town; her mom is grieving over the death of her father and she has a crush on a boy at school. In addition to her problems as a teenager, she is also a werewolf who wishes she could be a normal teenage girl who gets the boy.


* Information about the author
Klause is a librarian and an author who writes young adult novels. She was born in England but now lives in Maryland with her husband and their cats. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Library Science degrees.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Fantasy, Horror, Issues


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the difference between Rafe and Aiden.
2) Vivian is a strong female character, talk about why that is.
3) If Vivian’s father had never died, do you think Vivian would have still ended up liking a human boy instead of one from the pack?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 16 and Up


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Horror and Violence.

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/gp/product/product-description/0385734212/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books.
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?
Vivian is a very strong female character and I think her story needed to be in my collection. In addition to the fantasy aspects of the novel; have to love the werewolves, her story of struggling with her identity and home life, are enough to make a great novel. I think teens who read this book will love it because even though she is a werewolf, the author has created a character that is relatable to teens through her issues and vulnerabilities. Vivian just wants a home she can be comfortable in, kind friends, and a partner to share her life with; what young adult does not want that.