Middle School Bites

Synopsis:

“Thanks to a series of unfortunate bites, eleven-year-old Tom is a triple threat: he’s a Vam-Wolf-Zom. And just in time for the first day of middle school. So much for his Invisible Tom Plan. He never thought to make a What If I Turn Into A Vampire Werewolf Zombie Plan. Maybe it’s time for a Run Away and Live Somewhere Else Plan?

With the help of his irrepressible best friend, Zeke, Tom tries to accept his future. Zeke thinks being a Vam-Wolf-Zom sounds EXCELLENT! (Zeke thinks everything sounds EXCELLENT!) At least he’ll be able to stand up to the sixth-grade bully. The question is will the rest of Hamilton Middle School accept the Vam-Wolf-Zom, too?

Tom’s toothsome saga is illustrated with clever, cartoon-style art on every spread. Created by an Emmy-nominated writer for SpongeBob, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and CatDog, this new series is perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Last Kids on Earth. EXCELLENT!”

Review:

If you can withhold your disbelief, Tom was bitten by a Vampire Bat, a Werewolf, and a Zombie within a 24 hour period and he’s starting Middle School. What could possibly go wrong? This is an hilarious story of a kid whose goal in middle school was to steer clear of the bullies and be invisible for the most part. Now, he’s craving rare steak, his teeth are getting a little pointier and the sun burns his skin. So much for being invisible.

With illustrations throughout, this fast-paced story is perfect for fans of Big Nate and the Origami Yoda series. Check out the publisher’s website for book discussion questions and a video of author Stevens Banks reading the first chapter!

Need to Know:

Title: Middle School Bites
Author: Steven Banks
Illustrator: Mark Fearing
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Page Number: 304 pgs.