Team Human
Engaging, suspenseful vampire spoof has real substance.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Team Human is a clever and engaging spoof of trends in vampire fiction. There's little violence (one zombie attack) and only a small amount of swearing ("damn," "hell," "ass," and "crap" are each used a few times). Dating and romance are on the minds of all the main characters, but physical intimacy doesn't extend much beyond passionate kissing. Mel's college-age sister talks discreetly about her lesbian social life, and one of Mel's friends is revealed as bisexual.
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What's the Story?
When her best friend, Cathy, becomes hopelessly enamored with Francis, a vampire who's just enrolled at her high school, Mel takes it upon herself to sabotage the romance before Cathy makes a mistake she'll regret forever. But the more she objects to the budding relationship, the more Mel has to question her own biases and prejudices. Soon she's trying to deal with the mysterious disappearance of another friend's father, as well as wondering why she's so attracted to a human boy who's been raised by vampires.
Is It Any Good?
This is clearly a spoof of Twilight and its overheated imitators, but the authors lift the novel above simple parody through a combination of lively prose and astute character development. The humor is subtle but sharp, and there's enough action to keep the suspense level high. Team Human is as likely to be enjoyed both by readers who love vampire books and those who think they can't stand them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether it's possible to be loyal to your friends without imposing your own beliefs, fears, and prejudices upon them. Do you think you could let your friend date a vampire, or a boy raised by vampires?
If you had the chance to live forever, would you take it? What might some of the drawbacks of immortality be?
Why are vampire novels and movies so popular? What is it about vampire folklore that makes it so compelling for modern audiences -- and especially for teens?
Book Details
- Authors: Justine Larbalestier, Sarah Rees Brennan
- Genre: Horror
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, High School, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: July 3, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Humorous vampire story takes aim at the vampire craze.
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The Graveyard Book
Tale of boy raised by ghosts is both creepy and warmhearted.
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Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising
More violent and less romantic than Twilight but funnier.
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Peeps
Modern vampire tale for teens is funny, edgy, and grisly.
For kids who love vampires -- and those who don't!
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