Eighth Grade Bites - Book Review

Title ~ Eighth Grade Bites
Series ~ Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1
Author ~ Heather Brewer
Release Date ~ August 16, 2007
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Penguin
Source ~ The Elliott Review

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Junior high really sucks for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: his mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: he’s being hunted by a vampire killer.

REVIEW

Vladimir is a typical eighth grader with all the usual issues. He deals with bullies, keeping his grades up, getting that cute girl in class to pay attention to him, and drinking blood without being noticed. Drinking blood!? That’s right, Vlad is half vampire!

Vlad is on a mission to find out how his parents died and who is responsible. Vlad teams up with his best friend, Henry, to find the truth. Every time I thought I had it figured out, there would be another clue proving me wrong. When Vlad’s favorite teacher disappears and a mysterious substitute takes over, things get even more suspenseful.

What I like best about Eighth Grade Bites is the way Vlad is portrayed as an average guy who happens to be a vampire. Although he is comfortable around his friends, Vlad is a bundle of awkwardness around girls. Heather Brewer totally gets into her character’s mind and makes him believable.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series to see what becomes of Vlad and how this all plays out. I wonder if the books become less middle grade and more young adult as he gets older?

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

So different! I like the black on white concept with the big red vampire face. Oh, Vlad looks so sneaky covering his eyes with his hoodie. And the title, come on, it’s pretty cute.