Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting vampire tale sucks in reluctant readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 61 kid reviews
Kids say the book is highly entertaining, mixing humor and relatable teen experiences with a unique take on the vampire genre, appealing especially to tweens and young teens. While there are some criticisms regarding violence and comparisons to other vampire stories, many reviewers praise its engaging characters, light-heartedness, and ability to capture the essence of adolescent life, making it a fun read for reluctant readers.
- fun characters
- engaging story
- light-hearted tone
- relatable themes
- age-appropriate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Eighth grade is no picnic. Like the average outsider Vlad's got bullies and a crush on his mind. But being a vampire, and one recently orphaned in mysterious circumstances, adds a whole new level of suckiness. Vlad has to hide blood in his school lunches, slather on the sunscreen, and keep his fangs under control.
Is It Any Good?
EIGHTH GRADE BITES is a yummy treat. The book's cover sets the tone: dark, cool, creepy, and exciting. Many books and movies have already explored teens turning into supernatural beings -- witches, wizards, werewolves, even superheroes. Heather Brewer makes Vlad a known vampire from birth. Instead of wrapping up the challenges of growing into an adult with the challenges of becoming a vampire, Vlad has always been an outsider, though we are beginning to explore the vampire world as Vlad is being slowly exposed to it. Another difference -- most stories have the teens becoming cooler as they realize they have powers, whereas Vlad is still pretty uncool, at least to the kids in his school. Brewer also includes positive adult figures -- yet another departure from most teen novels.
This fun read was named an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. And tapping into the MySpace crowd, Brewer and Vampire Island author Adele Griffin teamed up to launch a popular MySpace page with their lead characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about standing up to bullies. Have you ever been bullied? Why is it important to stand up to someone who is harassing you? Who can you talk to if you need help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dutton Children's Books
- Publication date : August 16, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 182
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : December 4, 2019
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