Author: David Lubar. Release date: 2011. Publisher: Tor Books. ISBN: 9780765323453.
Annotation: Prepare to be creeped out with this collection of spooky (and funny) tales.
Personal thoughts: This is my first experience with the "Weenies" books, but I am now officially a fan! The stories were all very clever, and could easily be read aloud in a classroom, or enjoyed individually by tweens, teens and adults alike. I look forward to picking up more of Lubar's creations!
Plot summary: This installment of Lubar’s popular “Weenies” collection features 33 short stories. Many of the stories have to do with vampires, but most of them feature simple plots that are clever, creepy and, at times, hilarious. Some of the stories include “Not Another Word,” featuring a mime who has a particular reason for donning that white face paint, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” about a rollercoaster that seems to have a life of its own, and “Cooties,” which explains what really happens when someone says “no returns.” Most of the stories are only 2-3 pages long, with only a few over 5-10 pages.
Plot summary: This installment of Lubar’s popular “Weenies” collection features 33 short stories. Many of the stories have to do with vampires, but most of them feature simple plots that are clever, creepy and, at times, hilarious. Some of the stories include “Not Another Word,” featuring a mime who has a particular reason for donning that white face paint, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” about a rollercoaster that seems to have a life of its own, and “Cooties,” which explains what really happens when someone says “no returns.” Most of the stories are only 2-3 pages long, with only a few over 5-10 pages.
Review: Lubar’s “Weenies” collection has sold, according to his website, over 1.7 million copies worldwide, and it is obvious why after reading Attack of the Vampire Weenies, the latest installment. Although the stories are quite short, they are full of clever, creepy and funny characters, plots and situations that will keep tweens, and adults, reading. Some of the real stand out stories include “Not Another Word,” “It’s Only a Game,” “Rapt Punzel,” “Cooties” and “The Cure for the Uncommon Vampire.” All of the stories are very entertaining, however, and readers of all ages are sure to enjoy experiencing their favorites again and again.
Genre: Short Stories/Scary Stories
Reading level: Grade 5+
Similar titles: Other titles in David Lubar’s “Weenies” collection, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz.
Themes: Short stories, scary stories, irony, humor, vampires.
Awards/Reviews: Positive review from Booklist, School Library Journal, San Francisco Chronicle and Detroit Free Press.
Series Information: Part of “Weenies” collection by David Lubar. Other titles include In the Land of the Lawn Weenies, Invasion of the Road Weenies, The Curse of the Campfire Weenies and The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies.
Discussion questions:
- Write your own weenie tale.
- Which of the stories in Attack of the Vampire Weenies was your favorite? Why?
- What do you think is important to include in a collection of short stories? What elements make the stories enjoyable?
- Have you read any other of the Weenies books? Which ones? How do they compare to Attack of the Vampire Weenies?
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