Middle School Bites 2

June 1, 2020
Life goes on as usual--even when it's anything but. On the day before the start of middle school, Tom Marks was bitten by a vampire bat, a werewolf, and a zombie and had to adjust to a drastically altered reality: that of a Vam-Wolf-Zom, as related in series opener Middle School Bites (2020). But within the week, Tom must return to life as usual. The world of a middle schooler is rich and mercilessly tumultuous, rife with burgeoning crushes, Halloween protests, school-bus bullies, failed band practices, dances, and sibling rivalries--and, of course, mad scientists, moonlit transformations, and mysterious, centuries-old vampire girls guarding the secrets to your survival. With friends old, unexpected, and new by his side, Tom gears up to tackle challenges both banal and bizarre as they come flying (sometimes quite literally) at him. This sequel takes a more slice-of-life approach than its action-packed predecessor. The slower pace and almost episodic nature take some getting used to, especially in the first third, where exposition must balance the introduction of new characters and plot elements. Once the story hits its stride, however, it becomes not only enjoyable, but engrossing, adroitly juggling a larger cast and deeper dives into side characters' psyches. The witty frankness of Tom's narration consistently amuses, keeping readers firmly on his side as he grows as a person and in his powers. Bloody good. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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December 1, 2019

Gr 4-7-When 11-year-old Tom Marks is bitten by a bat, a wolf, and a zombie, his plans to survive middle school by flying under the radar are dashed. On his first day of school, the sun feels burning hot, he finds himself howling in chorus, and he has a strange craving for blood. Tom realizes that being a vam-wolf-zom has some advantages, but will superhuman strength, hearing, eyesight, and speed save him from notorious bully Tanner Gantt? And how will he fit in at school once his monstrous secret is revealed? This new novel by the head writer of SpongeBob SquarePants combines typical middle school angst with a hilariously over-the-top monster movie premise. Likable, funny Tom dreams up far-fetched visions of the future. Black-and-white cartoon drawings by Fearing ramp up the humor. The cliffhanger ending ensures that there will almost certainly be a sequel. VERDICT With its enjoyable characters and wacky concept, this novel is sure to have wide appeal.-Ashley Larsen, Pacifica Libraries, CA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
Grades 4-6 Middle school arrives and Tom has plans?for everything from getting a girlfriend to staying invisible. But they all go out the window when he's bitten by a bat and a strange dog and then scratched by a decayed sideshow exhibit on the last day of summer vacation. Suddenly he's got a supersensitive nose, superstrength, pointy ears, an aversion to sunlight, and a thirst for blood?yes, he's turning into a Vam-Wolf-Zom. Subverting expectations in this set-up volume, about the only character who responds predictably to his eventual full-moon transformation is his drama-queen older sister; while she barricades herself in her bedroom with garlic, crosses, and a plastic stake, his parents just give him a pass on the family's vegetarian diet, his school principal delivers a speech about inclusivity, and his friends and odd locker mate Abel (pretty certainly more than he seems) take it in stride. Fearing adds images of pop-eyed cartoon monsters and middle-schoolers to almost every spread, capped by a startling twist at the close to set up further misadventures. A fang-tastic kickoff.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)