Step into the fang-tastic world of My Sister the Vampire, where twin sisters—one a perky cheerleader, the other a goth vampire—navigate sisterhood, secrets, and a town full of surprises! Sienna Mercer’s 18-book paranormal series blends humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, captivating middle-grade readers with its unique take on identity and acceptance.
Centered on Olivia and Ivy Abbott, identical twins separated at birth, this urban fantasy unfolds in the quirky, vampire-filled town of Franklin Grove. From their shocking reunion to their hilarious twin-switch antics, the series offers a lighthearted escape for readers who love a mix of mystery, friendship, and vampire flair.
How My Sister the Vampire Began
Sienna Mercer, a Canadian author who always dreamed of having a twin, created My Sister the Vampire to fulfill her childhood wish. Growing up in Toronto, she began writing as a teen when a rainy day canceled cheerleading practice. Inspired by her love for vampire lore and the idea of a super-cool twin, Mercer penned the first book, Switched, in 2007. Published by HarperCollins in the UK and later Scholastic in the US, the series grew into a beloved 18-book saga, written under Mercer’s pen name by a team of authors in a fiction mill, blending her vision with collaborative creativity.
The Heart of My Sister the Vampire
The series kicks off with Switched, where Olivia, a bubbly vegetarian, moves to Franklin Grove and meets Ivy, her goth, vampire twin. Discovering their twinship, they swap places, sparking comedic chaos as Olivia grapples with Ivy’s vampire secret. Fangtastic! follows their efforts to protect Franklin Grove’s vampire community from a nosy reporter, while Vampalicious! sees the twins unite to keep Ivy from moving to Europe. Lucky Break, the seventh book, mixes ranch adventures and a sci-fi Romeo and Juliet play, adding romance and mystery to their tale.
Themes of sisterhood, identity, and acceptance shine throughout. Olivia’s cheerleader optimism contrasts Ivy’s vampire cynicism, yet their bond grows through shared challenges. The series’ fast-paced, upbeat style and Franklin Grove’s gothic charm—think BloodMart for vampire snacks—create a playful backdrop. While not deep vampire lore, its light, “vampire lite” vibe, as Publishers Weekly calls it, appeals to readers seeking fun over fright.
Mercer’s writing, filled with witty dialogue and relatable teen struggles, makes the series a quick, engaging read. The twins’ differences—human vs. vampire, pink vs. black—highlight self-acceptance, while their teamwork celebrates family and friendship, resonating with young readers navigating their own identities.
Why My Sister the Vampire Resonates
My Sister the Vampire carved a niche in middle-grade paranormal fiction, offering a fresh, female-led take on vampire stories. Its blend of humor and heart hooked readers, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon praising its relatable characters and “captivating” plots. The series inspired a loyal following, with some readers, like an 11-year-old’s mom on Amazon, noting it turned reluctant readers into book lovers. Its enduring appeal lies in its positivity, promoting loyalty, joy, and embracing differences.
Though not a cultural juggernaut, the series’ 2007–2016 run left a mark, proving vampire tales could be light and accessible for younger audiences. Its focus on sisterhood and self-discovery continues to charm new readers discovering the twins’ adventures.
- First Published: 2007 (Switched)
- Number of Books: 18
- Target Audience: Grades 4–8
- Setting: Franklin Grove, a vampire-friendly town
Grab Switched and dive into My Sister the Vampire’s paranormal world of sisterhood, secrets, and spooky fun!