Book: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

(photo credit)

Length: 336 pages

Format: Hardback
Price: borrowed from a friend
Author Website: http://sethgrahamesmith.com/

Basic Premise: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is credited with keeping the country together during the Civil War.  What is lesser known, however, is that his real contribution was keeping the country safe from vampires by being one of the best and most prolific vampire hunters of all time.

My Take: 7 out of 10 (scale here)
Let me first say that this book was gruesome. GRUESOME. Like, extremely gory, and not something I usually enjoy.  What I did enjoy was the way the book took the approach of a real biography, using actual excerpts and quotes from Lincoln's life.  The story of vampires was woven throughout the actual historical events that took place.  It was interesting, intriguing, and fast-paced.  I tagged it as YAL because I got it from a fellow 7th grade reading teacher and have kids who have read and liked it, but I don't know that I can recommend this book to kids in my classroom.  It's pretty disturbing in parts!  The film comes out this month, but I don't know if I'll see it.  It's one thing to read about blood and guts, but another thing to see it!