 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Taste for Red
- By Lewis Harris
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Creepy, funny vampire mystery is a page-turner.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this vampire read for middle graders is pretty mild for the genre. The violence is gore-free: a kidnapping, an almost-poisoning, someone falls out a window and breaks his arm, and an attempt to kill a vampire.
What's the story?
Svetlana Grimm is a new student at Sunny Hill middle school. Previously homeschooled, she finds herself in 6th grade where the classes are boring and the kids are friendly -- which is unfortunate because she wants to be a loner. She believes she is a vampire and soon finds herself involved in a mystery along with her neighbor, Ms. Bones, and her science teacher, Ms. Larch. When three of her classmates disappear and she discovers her true gift, she has to grow up quickly and figure out a way to help.
Is it any good?
A TASTE FOR RED is a very quick, entertaining read. The mystery goes along at a good pace and kids will be excited to see how it all turns out. Creepy and funny, Svetlana's Sunny Hill middle school will remind readers of Buffy Summers' Sunnydale high school. It's always great to see a female protagonist and Svetlana doesn't let us down.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about making new friends. Why did Svetlana start out rejecting her classmates' attempts at friendship?
Svetlana said, "I remember reading somwehere that the things you find to criticize in others are really the things you wish to improve in yourself." Do you think that's true? Have you ever had that experience?
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AGE
Wonderful Book! Perfect for Tweens!
This book was not what I was expecting. The author introduces a new take on vampires and supernatural creatures which I found interesting and refreshing. The writing is lively and fun, and there is nothing inappropriate for tweens. I hope another book is in the works because this one left me wanting more!
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AGE
You Wouldn't Believe
I enjoyed reading this book 2 years back when I was 10. Slight gore, but not something the weak hearted couldn't handle. I like it because it doesn't give itself away too easily, like most books. Until near the end, you don't know what's going to happen next, so you just can't stop reading. Then when it reveals itself, you keep reading to make sure you thought correctly about the ending! I love it!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2011
AGE
any age between 8-13
love it. if i knew what it was about i would love it even more
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AGE
Great for Tweens
I have an 11 yr old niece, and we started our own little book club. This book was perfect for us! She's always trying to read books that are just a little too old for her (Twilight Saga). This book not only has appropriate subject manner for her age, but also vocabulary. There were a few times where the author made a point of giving a simple definitions of some words I knew she wouldn't know.
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| Author: | Lewis Harris |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Clarion Books |
| Publication date: | June 15, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 176 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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