Middle School Bites 3

June 15, 2021
The first year of middle school continues for Tom, the Vam-Wolf-Zom. Tom Marks has adjusted somewhat to being part vampire, part werewolf, part zombie, and all middle schooler since the first two installments of the series, Middle School Bites (2020) and Tom Bites Back (2020). He's even been studying the old book A Vampiric Education. by Eustace Tibbitt to learn new skills like turning into smoke and hypnotizing people. Still charming, his cheeky, self-aware narration carries the episodic, sometimes-plodding plot and brings a matter-of-fact attitude to the fantasy elements that really sells them. While the threat looms of his werewolf sire trying to steal the vampire guide, Tom's actually much more concerned about getting his friend Annie to talk to him again, keeping a valuable action figure out of the hands of a bully, getting his band back together, finally turning 12, and attending his first comic-book convention. Apart from a few heartwarming moments with friends and family, little is resolved, and the story ends on a cliffhanger. The narrative flirts with the darkness of Tom's condition but ultimately plays it for laughs, like when he sprints away from a bloodmobile to get himself a thirst-quenching, nonhuman-liver smoothie. Goofy grayscale spot illustrations further lighten the tone, showing Tom's scruffy hair and freckles along with his fangs. Tom reads as White; a few supporting characters have darker skin, and two are coded as Latinx. Another amusing entry. (Paranormal. 8-12)

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July 1, 2021
Grades 4-6 The ichor thickens along with the plot as "Vam-Wolf-Zom" middle-schooler Tom Marks at last comes face-to-face with all three of the supernatural predators who variously bit or scratched him in the opener. Amid continuing rounds of class projects gone hilariously wrong and talent-show follies at school, bemusing encounters with both a bully and an older sister who sometimes aren't so awful, and struggles to develop his shape-changing abilities, the wry narrator's brushes with the supernatural deliver broad hints of secret agendas and large-scale conflicts to be revealed down the line. Meanwhile, the casual way his parents, teachers, and peers treat him not as a fearsome monster but as a sort of minor celebrity add extra value to this series from a teaching-tolerance standpoint. Fearing supplies for each chapter several monochrome caricatures of Tom in hairy or human guise (depending on the moon), along with a diverse supporting cast--mortal and otherwise.

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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.

March 11, 2022

Gr 3-6-Tom Marks is not your average middle school student; he's a werewolf, vampire, and zombie! Having been bitten by all three, he's learning to cope with his new body and what it can do, like changing into a bat and flying around the room, becoming smoke, and, of course, the full body hair every time there's a full moon. He also has quite an interesting appetite! The third installment of this series takes place during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Tom has many encounters with a bully named Tanner Gantt who does everything he can to irritate Tom, like putting garlic inside his snowman costume during the school concert and stealing his rare superhero doll, Vacuum Girl, to sell on eBay. There's also the evil werewolf, Darcourt, who is out to steal Tom's copy of A Vampiric Education. Black and white cartoons are scattered throughout. This story delivers laughs, wild adventure, and sarcasm. Characters appear to be predominantly white. VERDICT Readers will want to sink their teeth into this quick-witted book. Highly recommended!-Tracy Cronce

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.