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Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

(2007, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Heather Brewer)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Exciting vampire tale sucks in reluctant readers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Though the main character is a vampire, he, his surrogate family, and friends are pretty stable characters. There are bullies and villians in this story, however both groups' actions are seen in a negative light.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Two people die in a fire before the book begins, their son believes it was murder. A vampire attacks and kills two people. A vampire is killed by a special weapon that uses light.
  • Sex:

    Crushes and talk of someone being a good kisser; a discussion of how two people fell in love and became parents.
  • Language:

    Some name calling.
  • Consumerism:

    Twinkies, Playstation, Sony
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

Parents need to know there is a fair amount of blood in this story, though most of it comes from the blood bank. Three people are shown being killed, though it's not particularly gory. The overall feel is a bit spooky with villains, school issues, and typical teen crushes all mixed in together.

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Families Can Talk 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?

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    best for teens and vampire lovers

    I love this book it is my fav

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    great for tweens, teens, and young adults.

    Vladimir Tod tried to have a normal life as a normal teen in the town of Barthory . He went to school, hung out with his friends, and tried not to let the whole world know he’s half vampire. His mother was human but his father was vampire. Both his parents were killed in a house fire. So he lived with his “Aunt” Nelly, who really isn’t his Aunt but a close friend of his mother. Up until eight grade ( *Eight Grade Bites*) when a vampire called D’Ablo, the president of the Elysia council, is out to kill him, he finds out that his friend , Henry, is his drudge (human slave) for life and his Uncle Otis becomes his teacher. The reason Vladimir and his parents are wanted dead is because it is a crime for vampires and humans to be married and have children. Only the vampires don’t know that his parents are dead. Vladimir is able to beat him a weapon that was his fathers, called a Lucis, and escapes with his life. Although D’Ablo didn’t die, which Vladimir find out in ninth grade (*Ninth Grade Slays*). Only D’Ablo hires a vampire slayer to go after Vladimir this time. Only this time D’Ablo is testing Vladimir to see if he’s the pravus. Only the slayer is Vladimir’s new friend and his best friend’s ,Henry’s, cousin, but he still tries to kill Vladimir. Amazingly Vladimir is able to live through it. Now as Vladimir enters tenth grade (*Tenth Grade Bleeds*) he has new problems. D’Ablo kidnapped his Uncle, Henry doesn’t want to be his drudge anymore, he almost bit his girlfriend Meredith, and he bites of a girl named Snow outside a club named Crypt. Not to mention that now that D’Ablo knows he’s the Pravus he’s wants to take his power of invincibility. Now Vladimir must save his Uncle, take down D’Ablo, make up with Henry, apologize to Snow (who is now Vladimir’s drudge), and keep Meredith away from him to protect her. It really was “ Another sucky year at Barthory High for Vladimir Tod”. Foot note: (* *) = the name of the book All books by Heather Brewer

  3. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    One of my absolute favorite books.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 2.0

    *sigh* dumb vampires

    I think that there are enough Vampire books already so this one is just another Vampire Book. Nothing special.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Great Series

    Great book for 10+, especially for the advanced readers. My daughter is 11 and was immediately sucked into the series! Age appropriate for sure!

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