The Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane
on July 27, 2021
ISBN: 0062954350
Pages: 176
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

“The Accursed Vampire” is a middle grade graphic novel written and illustrated by Madeline McGrane. We follow the life of Dragoslava, a child vampire who uses They/Them pronouns and was cursed by a mean witch to do her bidding. Dragoslava makes friends with two other child vampires and has fun with them until the witch calls on him to retrieve her grimoire (magic book).

The artwork is beautiful and silly which helps keep the scarier moments a bit less scary. The themes of friendship and having a chosen family repeat throughout the novel as Dragoslava decides whether they would prefer to be cursed and be with their friends or remain uncursed, but hurt those that they love.

Written for kids aged 10-12, “The Accursed Vampire” is a welcome addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.