'Twilight' books inspire reading craze

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers 'WHO IS EDWARD?'—Lindero Canyon Middle School eighth-grade student Alexia Stansen, left, raises the hand of classmate Kaelyn Turner during a special reading contest in the school library last Friday. Librarian Jane Lofton prepared a game of Twilight "Jeopardy" for the students. Move over, Harry Potter.

The "Twilight" book series, about the impossible love between a vampire and a teenage girl, has ignited a reading craze among middle school students similar to the decadelong devotion to the Potter book series that ended in 2007.

Local librarians are seizing the opportunity to promote reading by hosting lunchtime "Twilight" events.

At A.C. Stelle Middle School, librarian Kelly Benning is hosting a "Twilight" Fan Party today at the school's library.

The story in the "Twilight" books is attractive to teens because "it's a love story that will go on forever," Benning said.

"I like the eternal nature of the story and their love," Benning said. "Also, there is no premarital or extramarital sex, which is a beautiful thing for a middle school librarian."

Benning said boys enjoy the book series as much as girls, which is another common denominator between "Twilight" and "Harry Potter."

"The books are written really well and keep you wanting to read it," said seventh-grade student Ellis Hyman. Ellis has completed the three "Twilight" books and looks forward to the fourth book installment, though he said "Harry Potter" remains his favorite book series.

Not so for Kylie Collinson, an eighth-grader at Stelle. "I like it more than 'Harry Potter,'" Kylie said, adding that she is eagerly waiting for the fourth book to be released.

"I love the book so much, I found myself caring about the characters after each book," Kylie said.

The "Twilight" movie, scheduled to be released at local theaters on Nov. 21, is a must-see for Kylie.

"I told my mom I have to see the first (showing) at the closest theater—no exceptions," Kylie said of her excitement about the movie.

To keep up interest in the book series, Benning said the "Twilight" party will feature themed prizes (vampire teeth), a trivia and quote contest, and a viewing of the movie trailer. Benning will serve mushroom ravioli as part of the festivities today because in the book, the main character, Bella, eats mushroom ravioli on her first date with Edward.

At Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills, librarian Jane Lofton followed Benning's cue and launched the "Twilight" book club for eighth-grade students during lunch on Nov. 7.

Lofton and the students played a "Twilight"-themed "Jeopardy" game, with prizes for the winners.

"The kids at Lindero are nuts about Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' series," Lofton said. The students will discuss the books at the next meeting, and at the third meeting they will be encouraged to compare the movie with the books.

"It's not great literature, but the story sucks you in and you can't put it down," Benning said. "I think ('Twilight') is as big as 'Harry Potter.'"

She said fans create art and movie trailers based on the series and have written sequels to the books from the point of view from many characters.

"Anything that gets the kids to read," Benning said.