In Which I Review... Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

 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.

Hardback, 172 pages

Published August 16th 2007 by Dutton Children's Books

 4/5 stars

Eighth Grades Bites, first in the series by Heather Brewer, was a really good book. It was an easy read that any YA book lover would thoroughly enjoy. What I liked most about the book was that it wasn't like other vampire books. Firstly, it didn't center around romance. It shows that not every teenager in the world, whether there half vampire, or not has a greatly deep eternal love in their lives. Some don't even have many prospects. Besides that, Vlad Tod #1 is really just a book about a growing teenage boy dealing with his problems. Sure his problems are more difficult that the norm. I mean, he spends his time wondering if his teacher is a killer.
All in all, it was believable. I didn't fawn over this book like I've been known to do over other books, but I rated it a solid four, and I am excited to read the next four in the series.

Long story short: This book is definitely worth a read, albeit a light read. The story is engaging and quick. And you may become stuck like glue on the series, or you might not, but either way I can almost completely guarantee a pleasurable read.