Thomas Jefferson

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with feelings of being an outsider, or when they are navigating the difficult transition of realizing that people (and themselves) are rarely all good or all evil. While the title suggests a historical biography, this specific Marvel narrative follows Michael Morbius, a scientist whose attempt to cure a rare blood disease transforms him into a Living Vampire. It is a story about the heavy burden of illness and the internal battle to maintain one's humanity when faced with dark impulses. The narrative explores themes of redemption, the isolation of being different, and the ethical weight of scientific ambition. For a middle schooler, it provides a safe, metaphorical space to discuss the shame of making mistakes and the courage it takes to fix them. Parents will find it a useful tool for discussing accountability and the idea that our choices, rather than our circumstances, define our character.