Twilight

Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
ISBN: 0316160172

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Bella knows there is something strange about Edward. He is pale, his eyes change color, and oh yeah, he can stop a speeding car with one hand.

Plot Summary:
When Bella Swan moves from Phoenix to Forks, Washington, she does not hold out much hope for an exciting year. That is until she meets devastatingly handsome Edward Cullens. But he has been avoiding Bella like she is the most repulsive thing he has ever seen. That all changes the day Edward stops a van that is about to hit Bella with one hand.

Bella now unravels the truth about Edward and the rest of the Cullens family. They are vampires, though they choose to drink animal rather than human blood. Edward is extremely attracted to the smell of Bella's blood. Despite the danger to Bella's life, the two fall in love. But Edward finds himself battling his own kind as a coven of vampires move into Fork and set their sights on Bella as their next victim.

Evaluation:
Meyer takes the classic Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of star-crossed lovers and adds the fantastic vampire element. The fantasy element of vampires and the continuing question of Bella's future help keep young readers hooked.

Notes:
There are 3 other books in the Twilight series: New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

A 2008 film adaptation was released by Summit Entertainment.