Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
#1 of 4 in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Series
on Goodreads (37,532)
What’s inside...
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.
Character compass
Vladimir Tod
Henry Mcmillan
Otis
Nelly
D'Ablo
John Craig
Aunt Nelly
Otis Otis
Discussion points
How do you think Vladimir Tod's identity as a vampire affects his experiences and relationships in middle school?
What are some of the challenges Vladimir faces, and how does he overcome them?
How do the themes of friendship and trust play out in the story?
What would you do if you were in Vladimir's shoes at various points in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, focusing on empathy and understanding different perspectives. Ask them to draw parallels between the challenges faced by Vladimir and those they encounter in their own life. Highlight the importance of resilience and personal growth as illustrated in the book. Validate their opinions and feelings, showing that their thoughts on the book's themes are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Vladimir, despite being a vampire, experiences typical adolescent struggles and desires acceptance. This portrayal helps readers understand that everyone has unique challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who may seem different and appreciate the struggles everyone faces, promoting inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Vladimir often has to face difficult situations where he needs to accept his identity as both a vampire and a teenager. His journey encourages self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children in embracing their own identities and overcoming personal challenges with bravery.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Decision-Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Vladimir faces choices that test his morals and values. These scenarios illustrate the weight and consequences of decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of thoughtful decision-making and considering the consequences of their actions in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss and Grief
Explanation: Vladimir copes with the loss of his parents, showcasing the process of grief and the importance of support from friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that grief is a natural reaction to loss and that seeking support can aid in coping with those emotions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Vladimir’s friendships are crucial to his survival and emotional well-being, highlighting how true friends provide support and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture friendships and understand the significant role friends play in helping navigate life’s challenges.