Sweetblood

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the burden of a chronic illness or feels like they don't belong in mainstream social circles. It speaks to the exhaustion of 'being a patient' and the allure of finding identity in fringe subcultures. The story follows sixteen year old Lucy as she navigates Type 1 diabetes while finding community in an online world of 'vampires.' It explores themes of rebellion, medical non compliance, and the dangerous intersection of digital life and physical safety. While the vampire theme is prominent, the heart of the story is Lucy's realistic struggle to accept her body's limitations. It is an honest, sometimes gritty look at the high school years that validates the frustration of feeling different.