Blue Bloods

de la Cruz, Melissa. 2006. BLUE BLOODS. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786838922 [Suggested Grade Levels 9-12]

REVIEW
When the Mayflower landed, the arrivals were hopeful of a new start in a new world. However, half the civilization was dead before Plymouth Rock was even established; often these deaths were associated with a fatal affliction of the blood deemed “consumption.” Centuries later, the descendants of the travelers become the wealthiest and most elite citizens of New York City. Associated by social status, this group also comprises the “Committee.” Each year, new members are invited to an induction ceremony of an organization that does social service work. However, the Committee is much more than that. What new members discover at the first meeting is their true identities… “Blue Bloods,” an ancient group of vampires.

The life of a Blue Blood is well planned; vampires go through stages of Expression, Evolution, and Expulsion in order to live forever. However, when a teenage girl dies, some of the younger Blue Bloods question her death. How can an immortal vampire be murdered? What being exists that is able to destroy an indestructible vampire? As answers are sought, more questions are formed as knowledge is acquired. The newest Blue Bloods are in a race against an unknown being and their lives depend on discovering the truth.

CONNECTIONS
Blue Bloods live 100 years in a body and after a rest are “born” as someone new. They are able to access past memories and recall their previous lives. Have readers discuss who in the past they would like to have been and why. From these past lives, what memories would the readers most want to maintain?

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by Melissa de la Cruz:
FRESH OFF THE BOAT. ISBN 0060545402
THE AU PAIRS. ISBN 0689873190.


By Mary D. Buckalo