The Sweetness Between Us is a vampire story with a different bite. Meet Perley, a teen who has been diagnosed with diabetes, and Amandine, a vampire who can detect blood sugar levels. Perley loves knitting and Amandine loves field hockey. After some changes in each of their lives, they both return to school, feeling like they have lost their way. That is, until they meet in a catch-up class with the school counsellor, Mx Bythesea.

From the start, we know Amandine is a vampire and that everyone in this world knows about the legendary Lavigne family. As Perley and Amandine navigate teen love, the challenges of health and vampirism, and simply growing up, they seek to develop ways to cope with the new normal in their lives.

The clever hook of a vampire who can detect blood sugar creates challenges for the character. Conflicts arise between Perley and Amandine as they learn how to deal with their conditions.

The feelings of despondency that come with the diagnosis of a medical condition like diabetes, and fear of the unknown are real. As Perley and Amandine navigate friendship and love we also understand what it’s like when you don’t feel like you fit in.

Exploring healthy relationships, interests and friendships are the key features of this intriguing graphic novel. It’s about accepting people for who they are, and how to tell people the secrets we don’t want revealed.

Reviewed by Ashleigh Meikle

Age Guide 12+