Families who loved Serwa Boateng's Guide to Vampire Hunting by Roseanne A. Brown often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the friction of being a 'bridge' between two worlds, whether that is moving to a new town or balancing a rich cultural heritage with the pressures of fitting in at a typical middle school. It is an ideal pick for children who feel like they have to hide parts of themselves to be accepted by their peers. The story follows Serwa, a girl trained from birth to hunt Ghanaian vampires (adze), who is suddenly forced to live a 'normal' life with her aunt in Maryland. While the plot is a high stakes fantasy adventure, the heart of the book explores the loneliness of secrecy and the bravery required to be your authentic self. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the struggle of maintaining family traditions while seeking independence. It is a fast paced, empowering read for ages 8 to 12.
