Parents' Guide to

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening

By Debra Bogart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Sexually violent book is nothing like the TV show.

Book L. J. Smith Horror 2009
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 14 parent reviews

bethikikik
bethikikik Adult
August 4, 2010
age 13+

11 + really, but the mood is dark.

this book is not for everyone in the sense that the mood is dark and some may not like it. elena gilbert may do what she needs to get what she wants, but she is a troubled teen that severely feels like an outsider while she is the most popular girl in school. she is loyal to her friends and town, though, especially when she died for them. yes, the main character lies, all teens do or else they wouldn't be teenagers. the violence isn't that bad, not graphic, though it wont give kids nightmares, and if they're over the age of 9, probably have seen far worse. now these guys are vampires, so they obviously dont feel remorse ore regret,and it wouldn't be a true (good) vampire book if the vampires were sparkling ballerinas. elena, the main character, is indeed a virgin (mentioned in 6th book), although sex is implied, they dont actually do it. the worst sex is in the 5th book when elenas past friend has sex for attention and ends up pregnant. yeah, a guy gets drunk once, a heck lot of teens do. the role models might not be that good, but they aren't the kind of characters anyone would want to be like.
1 person found this helpful.
lizalowry000
lizalowry000 Adult
September 21, 2021
age 15+
See all 14 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A mysterious new student (Stefan) arrives at a high school and the most popular girl in school (Elena) becomes obsessed with him, especially when he tries to ignore her. She uses everyone around her to get him to notice her. Meanwhile murders of animals, pets, and humans start happening around town -- not the time to use the local graveyard as a hook-up spot. When tragedy strikes and Elena and another girl are assaulted it finally gets Stefan's attention.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (14):
Kids say (61):

This is definitely not a Twilight wannabe. Instead of tons of pining and talk of handsome otherworldy characters and their allure there are almost lurid descriptions of vampires hunting and feeding on animals -- including beloved pets and humans. Gratuitous assaults and a rape do not enhance a story that is basically about life in high school 20 years ago; no cell phones, no Internet, no strong femal characters. And the main characters find true love but don't find any self-awareness or gain any emotional maturity by the story's end.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether reading horror or scary stories helps readers to face fear in real life.

  • How can you tell this book was written nearly 20 years ago?

  • Are vampires criminals?

  • Why do people let Elena treat them badly?

Book Details

  • Author: L. J. Smith
  • Genre: Horror
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: HarperTeen
  • Publication date: September 1, 2009
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
  • Number of pages: 253
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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