Helpful Score: 3
As an adult reader, I half-heartedly read this teenage vampire novel because my son showed an interest. I found myself surprisingly engaged by the author's writing style and, while I am a much more mature reader, it was enjoyable to read a contemporary story I would not otherwise have chosen for myself. It kept my interest. The author has followed up her initial novel with a 9th grade sequel that my son plans to read in his spare time. It's not Austen, but, then, what is!
Sherry G. (Shervivor) -
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book because I ordered it for my daughter to read and she keeps postponing it. I told her I would try it out first. I would say this is a very good book for kids ages 9 - 13. For anyone over that age it has a rather predictable storyline. Even with the precitability I still enjoyed it. Vlad is a normal kid in 8th grade; becoming interested in girls, being bullied by other boys, complaining about his teachers, oh and trying to learn all about his vampire abilities.
Ivy H. (readymcbookerson) reviewed Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Loved it, even as an adult reader. also see ISBN-13: 9780142411872
Tim H. (satchipooperz) reviewed Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Perfectly written! I enjoyed it very much. I like this theory of vampires compared to other books. A perfect book for anyone who enjoyed twilight!
Shandee N. (shandee) reviewed Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Vampires who can envy humans their humanity, without the emo whining whoa is me stuff. Vlad has it tough growing up the only vampire in town. A deadly allergy to garlic, schoolhouse bullies, and a mysterious new substitute teacher who can not seem to let him alone about his 'secret'. Oh and being hunted by a mysterious vampire group out to kill his already dead father. Despite it all Vlad is pulled off as kind, a bit socially awkward, and best of all he doesn't crawl in a corner and bemoan his fate. He ponders it over some blood-and-cookies, puts on a Vampire's suck tshirt, and goes junior sherlock holmes on the mysteries stacking in his quiet little hometown.
To the Parents:
Blood aside, the writer adds in no political agendas, drugs, bad language, or other touchy subjects. The most amusing thing remotely close to a curse was "What in glob's name is going on?" (there is no explanation as to what this 'glob' is, but its amusing coming from nelly). It relies instead on some good old-fashioned wit and plot to keep the reader engaged. It addresses the trials of being different, of family ties, and demonstrates a good get-it-done mindset in the midst of stress, school, and saving the day in the middle of the night.
To the youths:
If you ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire in junior high, you'll love it. Dressing up as yourself for Halloween, peanut butter and blood-jelly sandwiches, and you get to keep your reflection. The ability to float, read minds, and flash fangs at threats isn't too shabby either. Its fun to read and has a good deeper plot that continues onward throughout Vlad's entire junior and high school life. And you though algebra was hard...
To the Parents:
Blood aside, the writer adds in no political agendas, drugs, bad language, or other touchy subjects. The most amusing thing remotely close to a curse was "What in glob's name is going on?" (there is no explanation as to what this 'glob' is, but its amusing coming from nelly). It relies instead on some good old-fashioned wit and plot to keep the reader engaged. It addresses the trials of being different, of family ties, and demonstrates a good get-it-done mindset in the midst of stress, school, and saving the day in the middle of the night.
To the youths:
If you ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire in junior high, you'll love it. Dressing up as yourself for Halloween, peanut butter and blood-jelly sandwiches, and you get to keep your reflection. The ability to float, read minds, and flash fangs at threats isn't too shabby either. Its fun to read and has a good deeper plot that continues onward throughout Vlad's entire junior and high school life. And you though algebra was hard...
Angela C. (rolltide1al) -
Absolutely great read. Bought this from the school's book order and this is going to be a series. The next book is called 9th grade slays. This was a very good book especially if you like vampires as much as I do..
****
****
Tara K. (candyfreak) reviewed Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Completely enjoyable. No bad words, no sexual situations...finally, a vampire book I can let my daughter read!
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com
Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod is being raised by "Aunt" Nelly, his mother's best friend. His human mother and vampire father were both killed in a fire, leaving their young vampire son an orphan. Life is not easy for Vlad...the school bullies harass him, the principal seems to have it in for him, and the girl he likes best and wants to ask to the dance seems to prefer his friend, Henry.
Aunt Nelly understands his problems and helps him to hide the fact that he is a vampire and must have fresh blood to survive. Vlad's best friend, Henry, is the only other person who knows his secret, although Vlad did bite Henry once when they were eight years old.
The one teacher that Vlad had real rapport with has disappeared and no one knows where he is. Vlad and Henry are determined to find out what happened to him. The substitute teacher begins to question Vlad too closely -- and there is just something strange about Mr. Otis Otis (yep...first name and last name are the same.) Vlad worries that Otis might suspect the truth, and then when Otis assigns vampires as Vlad's research project, and the teacher scribbles "I know your secret" across the bottom of his essay, he is really frightened.
Vlad discovers his father's journal in the attic and is learning about the reality of being a vampire and the powers that he may possess. Vlad also becomes convinced that there is a vampire killer in town, and that he is next on the killer's list. Things go from bad to worse when Aunt Nelly invites Otis to dinner and he confronts Vlad with what he knows.
There is some gross-out vampire stuff in this story. How about chocolate chip cookies dipped in blood? The gripping confrontation with the vampire horde at the climax of the novel is electrifying in this well plotted, exciting, supernatural adventure. I loved the great characters, and the fast action kept me reading most of the night, with my door firmly locked.
Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod is being raised by "Aunt" Nelly, his mother's best friend. His human mother and vampire father were both killed in a fire, leaving their young vampire son an orphan. Life is not easy for Vlad...the school bullies harass him, the principal seems to have it in for him, and the girl he likes best and wants to ask to the dance seems to prefer his friend, Henry.
Aunt Nelly understands his problems and helps him to hide the fact that he is a vampire and must have fresh blood to survive. Vlad's best friend, Henry, is the only other person who knows his secret, although Vlad did bite Henry once when they were eight years old.
The one teacher that Vlad had real rapport with has disappeared and no one knows where he is. Vlad and Henry are determined to find out what happened to him. The substitute teacher begins to question Vlad too closely -- and there is just something strange about Mr. Otis Otis (yep...first name and last name are the same.) Vlad worries that Otis might suspect the truth, and then when Otis assigns vampires as Vlad's research project, and the teacher scribbles "I know your secret" across the bottom of his essay, he is really frightened.
Vlad discovers his father's journal in the attic and is learning about the reality of being a vampire and the powers that he may possess. Vlad also becomes convinced that there is a vampire killer in town, and that he is next on the killer's list. Things go from bad to worse when Aunt Nelly invites Otis to dinner and he confronts Vlad with what he knows.
There is some gross-out vampire stuff in this story. How about chocolate chip cookies dipped in blood? The gripping confrontation with the vampire horde at the climax of the novel is electrifying in this well plotted, exciting, supernatural adventure. I loved the great characters, and the fast action kept me reading most of the night, with my door firmly locked.
This was quite adorable, and I don't mean that in a condescending way. It was the story of a boy, who lost his parents and is trying to find his way in the world. On top of that he's trying to live the normal life of a teenage middle school kid. He's got a best friend, he's too scared to talk to the girl he likes, and he has bullies. Typical teenager, except Vlad is also a vampire.
With his teacher missing and a new, suspicious substitute in town, strange things are definitely afoot. Soon Vlad learns more about his parents, who he is, and his heritage than he ever thought possible.
This was a sweet and angsty coming of age story with the added bonus of vampires. I really enjoyed it and look forward to getting to the rest of the series.
With his teacher missing and a new, suspicious substitute in town, strange things are definitely afoot. Soon Vlad learns more about his parents, who he is, and his heritage than he ever thought possible.
This was a sweet and angsty coming of age story with the added bonus of vampires. I really enjoyed it and look forward to getting to the rest of the series.
