Parents' Guide to A Taste for Red

Book Lewis Harris Fantasy 2009
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Common Sense Media Review

By Abby Aldrich , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Creepy, funny vampire mystery is a page-turner.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 9+

Based on 3 kid reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 3 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

  • Author : Lewis Harris
  • Genre : Fantasy
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Clarion Books
  • Publication date : June 15, 2009
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
  • Number of pages : 176
  • Last updated : June 19, 2019

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