The Tear Collector

December 1, 2009
Gr 8-10-Beautiful and popular Cassandra is always available for anyone in need of a peer counselor at school, a volunteer in the hospital, or a sympathetic ear at church. She is ready to console and comfort those with a multitude of problems, from broken hearts to the death of a family member. But she doesn't do these things to be nice; she does them because her life depends on it. Cassandra has descended from a long line of grief vampires who need tears instead of blood to survive. She is expected to collect tears and produce the next generation for her family's survival, but recently Cassandra has become disillusioned with her life. She has made meaningful friendships, has allowed herself to feel, and, most importantly, has fallen in love. Jones presents a compelling story that redefines the term "vampire." Cassandra is a complex character who readers will identify with as she struggles to understand who she really is, where her loyalties lie, and how to take control of her own destiny. Those looking for a new spin on the vampire story should find this one satisfying."Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2009
Grades 9-12 I need these human tears in order to survive. Cassandra Gray is descended from a long line of vampirelike creatures that feed on human suffering. It is Cass job to bring the tears she collects (from those she helps in her work as a volunteer grief counselor or from miserable school friends) to the family matriarch. It is also Cassandras duty to follow her familys wishes by mating with her evil cousin to produce an heir. But when a friend at school commits suicide, Cass begins to rethink family duty and loyalty. Then she falls in love with Scott and realizes she wants more than anything to be human. Though there is nothing too surprising in this fantasy, set in Michigan, Jones delivers an interesting twist on the popular vampire genre, and readers will be caught up in Cass difficult dilemma of choosing between love or family.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)