Middle School Bites 3: Out for Blood
#3 of 4 in Middle School Bites Series
What’s inside...
Tom the Vam-Wolf-Zom is back--and so is the werewolf that bit him--in this monstrously funny series about a boy who's dying to fit in.Eleven-year-old Tom was bit by a vampire, a werewolf, and a zombie right before the first day of middle school. It was a weird and crazy day. And he didn't even get excused from sixth grade!Now he's being hunted down by the werewolf that bit him. Should Tom join a wolf pack? On the one hand, he could give up school and homework forever. (He really doesn't want to do his history report.) On the other hand, he'd miss his band, his friends, and Annie, his maybe-possibly-someday girlfriend. He might even miss his big sister, Emma.Then the vampire that bit him returns with a warning: the werewolf is dangerous. Perhaps Tom should stick with sixth grade--even if it's mostly talent show disappointments, detention, and chicken-turkey-salami-roast beef sandwiches. Created by an Emmy-nominated writer for SpongeBob, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and CatDog, this hilarious series is illustrated with clever, cartoon-style art on every spread. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Last Kids on Earth.
Discussion points
How do you think Tom feels when he navigates challenges at school and with his friends? Can you relate to any of his experiences?
What lessons can you learn from the characters' interactions and decisions in the story?
If you were in Tom's shoes, how would you handle the situations he encounters?
How do the friendships in the book impact the storyline? What do you think makes a good friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about Tom and his adventures, making it a two-way dialogue. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's events, and relate them to their personal experiences. Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons, such as bravery, friendship, and problem-solving. Emphasize the importance of understanding and empathy when discussing character interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the protagonist's interactions with diverse characters, the story showcases the importance of understanding and empathizing with others, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and empathetic towards their classmates and peers, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Face of Challenges
Explanation: The main character faces numerous challenges but perseveres, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence and never giving up, even when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the protagonist's relationships with friends who help him navigate the complexities of middle school.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining friendships, showing how vital a support system is during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter problems that they solve through teamwork and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use creative thinking and collaboration to solve problems in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Accepting Change
Explanation: The protagonist learns to accept and adapt to the changes around him, including his unique circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and adapting to it is crucial for personal growth.