The Vanquishers

Gr 3-7–Vampires are making a comeback in this sharp, lively paranormal middle grade debut from the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead. As far as Malika “Boog” Wilson and her squad are concerned, vampires have been extinct for years thanks to the Vanquishers, and their parents’ extra vamp-proofing precautions are completely unnecessary. But when her group befriends the new kid in town and he disappears after a school event, the overprotectiveness of Boog and her friends’ families reaches a whole new level, making it almost impossible for the squad to figure out what happened to their friend and if the creepy new school counselor has anything to do with it. Bayron’s world where the monstrous undead existed but were vanquished by a powerful group of vampire hunters is convincing and believable, making this mystery adventure even more exciting. The delightful characters will charm readers with their distinct voices, and the close friendships not only of the kids but of their families elevate the plot dynamics and create a memorable cast. Primary characters are Black. With great humor and determination to help a friend even if it means facing the dangerous creatures that might still be lurking in the dark after all, Bayron’s young crew will keep readers enthralled.