In Dracula’s Brunch Club, a debut graphic novel from Brian Gonsar and illustrator Keenan Gaybba, the classic vampire mythos gets a sugary twist suitable for middle-grade readers. Count Dracula has found a new calling as a baker, keeping his vampire kin energized with his famous blood-orange jelly donuts. However, when a mysterious jelly shortage strikes Transylvania, the community falls into chaos. Dracula’s long-time rival, Constantine, seizes the moment to stage a coup, taking control of the club and banning all humans. Determined to save his community and his kitchen, Dracula must team up with his human friend Elena to uncover the truth behind the shortage and restore order before Constantine’s divisive tactics ruin brunch forever.
For educators supporting English language learners or students who typically shy away from text-heavy novels, this title is a practical addition to the classroom library. The graphic novel format naturally lowers the barrier to entry; Gaybba’s illustrations use a distinct color palette—cool blues and purples with strategic pops of red—to guide the reader’s eye and provide context clues that clarify the plot without relying solely on text. While the story addresses sophisticated concepts like political manipulation and authoritarianism, the language remains accessible, favoring direct dialogue over complex narration. This allows students to engage with mature themes without getting bogged down by dense prose or obscure idioms. Praised by Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal for its balance of humor and edge, the book serves as an excellent confidence builder for readers ready to move beyond early readers but who still benefit from significant visual support.
