The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Synopsis:

Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school.

Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. 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.

I was inspired to read these by two different people. First of all, my little cousin Wade who read and enjoyed the book and then Heather Brewer herself who stopped by the bookstore where I work last week. I'm so glad I followed the advice of these two awesome people.

Eighth Grade Bites was so much fun. It put a new spin of the classic vampire tales that we have all become so used to. Vladimir is just a normal middle schooler, he has to deal with bullies, he's crushing on the popular girl, and he drinks blood. Okay, so that last part isn't so normal, but that's the beauty of the series. In Brewer's world, vampirism is just one more part of growing up that Vlad has to put up with.

He's a great character and you can't help but be drawn into his world of vampire intrigue and teenaged hi jinks. I love Vlad's best friend Henry who knows and keeps Vlad's secret. He's a great character and always keeps the mood light. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. There is much more to be learned about Vlad's heritage and the secrets of the vampire world known as Elysia.

The second book is entitled Ninth Grade Slays and is already available in paperback. The third book will be available June 25th from Dutton and is entitled Tenth Grade Bleeds. I recommend these titles as a light fun and easy read.