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A Taste for Red
A sixth-grade Goth girl who thinks she’s a vampire encounters her greatest nemesis when she enrolls at Sunny Hill Middle School in this hilarious and entirely original take on the vampire genre for middle graders.
Svetlana Grimm has recently discovered she’s a vampire. The clues are all she can eat only red foods, has to sleep under the bed because of her heightened sensitivity to light and noise, and can read others’ thoughts. But this new discovery is making her transition from home-schooling to attending sixth grade at Sunny Hill Middle School that much more difficult. After all, what can she possibly have in common with those jellybean-eaters in her class? She prefers to watch them from afar in her hidden lair atop the Oak of Doom in her backyard.
But things get more interesting when Svetlana’s cruel yet beautiful science teacher, Ms. Larch, reads her thoughts. Svetlana is excited to have found another of her kind—until her new neighbor, The Bone Lady, fills her in on Ms. Larch's true identity and her own. What happens when your sixth-grade science teacher might also be your immortal enemy?
Svetlana Grimm has recently discovered she’s a vampire. The clues are all she can eat only red foods, has to sleep under the bed because of her heightened sensitivity to light and noise, and can read others’ thoughts. But this new discovery is making her transition from home-schooling to attending sixth grade at Sunny Hill Middle School that much more difficult. After all, what can she possibly have in common with those jellybean-eaters in her class? She prefers to watch them from afar in her hidden lair atop the Oak of Doom in her backyard.
But things get more interesting when Svetlana’s cruel yet beautiful science teacher, Ms. Larch, reads her thoughts. Svetlana is excited to have found another of her kind—until her new neighbor, The Bone Lady, fills her in on Ms. Larch's true identity and her own. What happens when your sixth-grade science teacher might also be your immortal enemy?
169 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 2009
7 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 22, 2016
I found this to be a fun and enjoyable read about a young lady that is just trying to figure out how come she now thinks of herself as a vampire. A great spooky book for October that won't scare a young one too much, although they may look sideways at a teacher or two for a few days.
Svetlana has come into a change in her life where now she only finds comfort in sleeping under her bed and eating red food. What does this mean? Am I a vampire? Why does my science teacher give me such bad vibes and who is this little old mysterious lady that lives next door?
Svetlana has come into a change in her life where now she only finds comfort in sleeping under her bed and eating red food. What does this mean? Am I a vampire? Why does my science teacher give me such bad vibes and who is this little old mysterious lady that lives next door?
July 7, 2009
Svetlana—not Stephanie!—Grimm thinks she’s a vampire. How else would you explain her preference for red-colored foods, her ability to read and influence other people’s thoughts, and why she likes sleeping under her bed? Unfortunately, there’s nothing Svetlana can do to change her parents’ minds about her new schooling arrangement—sixth grade at Sunny Hill Middle School. Having been previously homeschooled, Svetlana is not looking forward to spending multiple hours in the company of kids she has nothing in common with. And after her first science class, she looks even less forward to her last period of the day since there’s something undeniably creepy and almost sinister about beautiful Ms. Larch. When accidents and disappearances start occurring, Svetlana is sure Ms. Larch is the culprit, and that if she, Svetlana, doesn’t stop the evil Ms. Larch, Sunny Hill Middle School may because the feeding ground for a monster.
I first thought A Taste for Red wouldn’t actually be about vampires or other supernatural beings, but rather a sort of psychological evaluation on strange childhood phases. Boy, was I wrong! Make no mistake, this novel does include supernatural creatures. Svetlana is a unique protagonist, remarkably clever and witty, and suspicious of friendly advances. She is surprisingly believable within her situation, even if her intelligence level seems to far surpass her maturity. Humor is what initially brought me into Svetlana’s story, but plot action sustained my interest until the end. I did enjoy A Taste for Red even if I didn’t feel the story was completely original or in any way spectacular. Even if some of the characters, especially Svetlana, are fresh and new, the rest of the story seems to already have been done before several times, if in altered form. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Harris failed to refine his story to the extent that it would sparkle above the rest, which was a bit of a disappointment for me. All in all, A Taste for Red is not a bad debut, but Harris still has a little ways to go before reaching amazing.
A Taste for Red will be enjoyable for the middle school crowd and among those who liked Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer, The Otherworldies by Jennifer Anne Kogler, and You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
I first thought A Taste for Red wouldn’t actually be about vampires or other supernatural beings, but rather a sort of psychological evaluation on strange childhood phases. Boy, was I wrong! Make no mistake, this novel does include supernatural creatures. Svetlana is a unique protagonist, remarkably clever and witty, and suspicious of friendly advances. She is surprisingly believable within her situation, even if her intelligence level seems to far surpass her maturity. Humor is what initially brought me into Svetlana’s story, but plot action sustained my interest until the end. I did enjoy A Taste for Red even if I didn’t feel the story was completely original or in any way spectacular. Even if some of the characters, especially Svetlana, are fresh and new, the rest of the story seems to already have been done before several times, if in altered form. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Harris failed to refine his story to the extent that it would sparkle above the rest, which was a bit of a disappointment for me. All in all, A Taste for Red is not a bad debut, but Harris still has a little ways to go before reaching amazing.
A Taste for Red will be enjoyable for the middle school crowd and among those who liked Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer, The Otherworldies by Jennifer Anne Kogler, and You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
August 30, 2018
I did like this book, the writing was well done, but it would have been a LOT for fun if the protagonist's main personality trait wasn't internalized misogyny.
The main girl was one of those annoying goth's that shat all over every other girl that wasn't like her. Especially if they were blonde. This grade school child referred to her blonde classmates as bimbos.... wow. Nice writing Lewis Harris. And there was also a quip about poking fun at eating disorders. MC (I forget her name already) made a statement about how her blonde bimbo classmate hasn't eaten since she was born. Again, wow.
I feel really sorry for the young girls, that are getting into spooky stuff, that this is the books that represents you. It sends all the wrong messages, and was exactly the kind of book I read when I was in grade school, and it really explains my mentality back then.
This book made me ashamed to be goth lol. Fuck this.
The main girl was one of those annoying goth's that shat all over every other girl that wasn't like her. Especially if they were blonde. This grade school child referred to her blonde classmates as bimbos.... wow. Nice writing Lewis Harris. And there was also a quip about poking fun at eating disorders. MC (I forget her name already) made a statement about how her blonde bimbo classmate hasn't eaten since she was born. Again, wow.
I feel really sorry for the young girls, that are getting into spooky stuff, that this is the books that represents you. It sends all the wrong messages, and was exactly the kind of book I read when I was in grade school, and it really explains my mentality back then.
This book made me ashamed to be goth lol. Fuck this.
May 16, 2017
It's not a terrible book, the mystery and action is okay enough, but as with a lot gothic young fiction it suffers from a certain pretentiousness. It's one of those books where we're expected to see the main character as supremely intelligent and so much obviously better than all the dumb and shallow "normal people" around her, when in actuality she often comes across as full of herself and needlessly judgmental.
This would be a pretty solid book for middle schoolers going through a "dark" phase, but don't expect it to entertain you if you're older and little wiser than that demographic.
This would be a pretty solid book for middle schoolers going through a "dark" phase, but don't expect it to entertain you if you're older and little wiser than that demographic.
July 14, 2014
It seems like I should have loved it, but I never did.
September 22, 2013
Rachel and me read this together. It was fun.
October 7, 2022
I was honestly giving this a lot of leeways, but the protagonist is SO absolutely the worst... and, if she had learned a lesson, changed, or even been challenged in any way for her awful behavior, I would be more lenient on this, but she's the hero of this story and her obnoxious condescension is treated a cool trait. No, she's a borderline bully who thinks she is above everyone and then is proven correct. ugh.
November 13, 2021
Decided to revisit my absolute favorite childhood book and was not disappointed. Most things lose some of their glimmer when viewed many years later, but not this book. It was every bit as imaginative and biting as I remember and I loved it! Fun, easy read.
May 5, 2017
Svetlana Grimm is a goth girl who believes she is a vampire. It is a little edgy for a kids book, but fine for grades 4-6.
April 14, 2018
A quick, interesting read. This has the feel of a prequel novella.
October 20, 2020
3.5 stars
October 19, 2025
⭐️3.5 stars⭐️
October 7, 2014
Svetlana Grimm, the protagonist of Lewis Harris' debut novel A Taste for Red (2009) is not your average eleven-year-old. Even after starting at Sunny Hill Middle School in California, after years of being homeschooled in Texas, Svetlana is just not like the other sixth graders in her class. Svetlana has a penchant for black clothes that his almost as strong as her preference for red foods. She sleeps under her bed. She can sometimes read, and influence, people's thoughts. And she thinks she might be a vampire.
When Svetlana realizes that her enigmatic science teacher Ms. Larch can also read thoughts, Svetlana thinks she might have found another of her kind. But the more Svetlana learns about Ms. Larch the more obvious it is that the two are nothing alike. Suddenly instead of an ally, Svetlana might have a very dangerous enemy on her hands.
A Taste for Red is a humorous, sometimes suspensful, always fun book that takes the conventions of vampire stories and throws them out the window. At the beginning of the novel Svetlana spends a lot of time clueing readers in about the reality behind those silly vampire myths--sleeping in coffins? Pah.
Other reviewers have drawn parellels between this book and the Buffy TV series and even Nancy Drew. Both comparisons are well-founded. This book (series hopefully!) is not, however, strictly for girls.
Svetlana quickly recruits two boys in her class to act as her sidekicks. The tone of this novel is also gender neutral. Svetlana walks the line between "girly girl" and "tom boy" to become a character that will appeal to everyone. That is not to say she doesn't have a sharp tongue. Indeed, Svetlana's narration borders on the surly at the beginning of the novel with a tone reminiscent of Stewie from "Family Guy"--she mellows with time.
Harris has created a really fun, original plot here with a new take on vampires without any annoying romantic entanglements. At first it was unclear if Svetlana would be equally likable, but she totally is. Provided you like fantasy, this book really will appeal to everyone.
At 176 pages, A Taste for Red is also excellent for reluctant readers looking for a fast, exciting read and younger readers who want to read about the vampires they keep hearing about everywhere.
When Svetlana realizes that her enigmatic science teacher Ms. Larch can also read thoughts, Svetlana thinks she might have found another of her kind. But the more Svetlana learns about Ms. Larch the more obvious it is that the two are nothing alike. Suddenly instead of an ally, Svetlana might have a very dangerous enemy on her hands.
A Taste for Red is a humorous, sometimes suspensful, always fun book that takes the conventions of vampire stories and throws them out the window. At the beginning of the novel Svetlana spends a lot of time clueing readers in about the reality behind those silly vampire myths--sleeping in coffins? Pah.
Other reviewers have drawn parellels between this book and the Buffy TV series and even Nancy Drew. Both comparisons are well-founded. This book (series hopefully!) is not, however, strictly for girls.
Svetlana quickly recruits two boys in her class to act as her sidekicks. The tone of this novel is also gender neutral. Svetlana walks the line between "girly girl" and "tom boy" to become a character that will appeal to everyone. That is not to say she doesn't have a sharp tongue. Indeed, Svetlana's narration borders on the surly at the beginning of the novel with a tone reminiscent of Stewie from "Family Guy"--she mellows with time.
Harris has created a really fun, original plot here with a new take on vampires without any annoying romantic entanglements. At first it was unclear if Svetlana would be equally likable, but she totally is. Provided you like fantasy, this book really will appeal to everyone.
At 176 pages, A Taste for Red is also excellent for reluctant readers looking for a fast, exciting read and younger readers who want to read about the vampires they keep hearing about everywhere.
December 30, 2010
Another book I obtained from Amazon Vine. This is just a little slip of a book but it was an entertaining read.
Svetlana is different from other kids. She only eats red things and likes to sleep under her bed; oh and she can hear people's thoughts. Ms. Larch also only eats red things but to Svetlana Larch smells like the worst of all rotting things. Then three girls at school go missing and Svetlana is convinced that Ms. Larch is involved. Can Svetlana find out the truth before it is too late?
When I started reading this book I wasn't that taken with it but as the story progressed I liked it more and more. Svetlana is like so many young adult girls you read about, she has an attitude problem and is a loner. Oddly enough she is transitioning from being home-schooled at the beginning of the book (just like the character in another book I read called Wings). It is a cute little story and Svetlana is a like-able character.
The book was fast-paced and interesting. I didn't find Svetlana's buddies or enemies to really be all that engaging. Svetlana was a good character and I liked her neighbor Mrs. Bones. Svetlana's plucky attitude put me in mind of other books with outstanding child geniuses in them (Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1), Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie). Still it was a good opening book. I think this could be a very entertaining series and I do hope we see more books about Svetlana. This is also a book that could be read to younger children; it has some entertaining humor in it and doesn't take itself too seriously.
I will be keeping my eye out for other books about Svetlana Grimm; she could be a riot to read about as she goes on a mission to destroy all things unnatural and evil.
Svetlana is different from other kids. She only eats red things and likes to sleep under her bed; oh and she can hear people's thoughts. Ms. Larch also only eats red things but to Svetlana Larch smells like the worst of all rotting things. Then three girls at school go missing and Svetlana is convinced that Ms. Larch is involved. Can Svetlana find out the truth before it is too late?
When I started reading this book I wasn't that taken with it but as the story progressed I liked it more and more. Svetlana is like so many young adult girls you read about, she has an attitude problem and is a loner. Oddly enough she is transitioning from being home-schooled at the beginning of the book (just like the character in another book I read called Wings). It is a cute little story and Svetlana is a like-able character.
The book was fast-paced and interesting. I didn't find Svetlana's buddies or enemies to really be all that engaging. Svetlana was a good character and I liked her neighbor Mrs. Bones. Svetlana's plucky attitude put me in mind of other books with outstanding child geniuses in them (Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1), Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie). Still it was a good opening book. I think this could be a very entertaining series and I do hope we see more books about Svetlana. This is also a book that could be read to younger children; it has some entertaining humor in it and doesn't take itself too seriously.
I will be keeping my eye out for other books about Svetlana Grimm; she could be a riot to read about as she goes on a mission to destroy all things unnatural and evil.
September 2, 2016
I was not sure what this book would be when I picked it up. Was it "Twilight" for the younger set? Was it a mockery or satire of the entire vampire genre? Was it baby Goth fluff? Was it "Goosebumps"?
While I found a twinkling of each in the book, none of those are quite the right category for "A Taste for Red". While there is nothing wrong with any of the above, I found the separation here, quite frankly, a relief. This is more of a good old-fashioned story in the general sense of the word, one that isn't seen too much anymore as every other kids' book tries to fit into some mold.
Is Svetlana, aka Stephanie, a poor tortured Goth girl? (I am almost sorry to say that, but honestly they appear plenty in literature that a single lack won't ruin anything). No. In fact, she was probably quite normal before her move, when she began to develop strange powers, a positive recognition of the black clothing fashion, and the title's taste for red foods. It was all very much quite by happenstance. As for the vampire question, well, that requires reading, doesn't it?
I don't know if I was all-out impressed with this, but it certainly is a fun, clever read with more-than-decent writing. Hey, I'm sure the target age group (which is probably quite broad) will love it and I fully support them in that.
"A Taste for Red" is a clean, fun version of the vampire horror genre with a surprisingly likeable and relatable leading lady. The story is interesting, the mythology commendable. I, like others, hope for a series of sorts. After all, this is a very promising beginning of Svetlana's supernatural adventures.
While I found a twinkling of each in the book, none of those are quite the right category for "A Taste for Red". While there is nothing wrong with any of the above, I found the separation here, quite frankly, a relief. This is more of a good old-fashioned story in the general sense of the word, one that isn't seen too much anymore as every other kids' book tries to fit into some mold.
Is Svetlana, aka Stephanie, a poor tortured Goth girl? (I am almost sorry to say that, but honestly they appear plenty in literature that a single lack won't ruin anything). No. In fact, she was probably quite normal before her move, when she began to develop strange powers, a positive recognition of the black clothing fashion, and the title's taste for red foods. It was all very much quite by happenstance. As for the vampire question, well, that requires reading, doesn't it?
I don't know if I was all-out impressed with this, but it certainly is a fun, clever read with more-than-decent writing. Hey, I'm sure the target age group (which is probably quite broad) will love it and I fully support them in that.
"A Taste for Red" is a clean, fun version of the vampire horror genre with a surprisingly likeable and relatable leading lady. The story is interesting, the mythology commendable. I, like others, hope for a series of sorts. After all, this is a very promising beginning of Svetlana's supernatural adventures.
May 3, 2009
Svetlana (aka Stephanie) is making the transition to 6th grade - and not just the going from elementary to middle school - she's also moved from Texas to California, gone from home school to public school, and discovered that she believes she's a Vampire.
A Vampire you say?
Well she's not sure what she is - but she only eats red foods, only wears black, can read people's minds, and sleeps under her bed. So the only thing that fits all those categories is vampire right? But then what is up with the new Science teacher - who always smells like rotting food and shows videos of animals being killed? How can the teacher read HER mind? Are they BOTH vampires? If they are both Vamps - why does Mrs. Larch seem like she's out to eat Steph- I mean Svetlana?
Perhaps the crazy old next door neighbor Ms. Bones can answer a few questions - she seems to know a lot more then she's letting on. And what about those bubble gum chewing, trampoline bouncing blockheaded girls that suddenly went missing? Is this the work of something sinister?
This book is listed as for 8-12 year olds, and in that respect I would have to disagree with the publisher. I have a 7 and 11 year old and there is no way my 7 almost 8 year old would be able to enjoy this book. It's a little dark for the younger set, and some of the verbiage is a little long for them. I would say that the 11+ crew would gain the most enjoyment from the title.
A Vampire you say?
Well she's not sure what she is - but she only eats red foods, only wears black, can read people's minds, and sleeps under her bed. So the only thing that fits all those categories is vampire right? But then what is up with the new Science teacher - who always smells like rotting food and shows videos of animals being killed? How can the teacher read HER mind? Are they BOTH vampires? If they are both Vamps - why does Mrs. Larch seem like she's out to eat Steph- I mean Svetlana?
Perhaps the crazy old next door neighbor Ms. Bones can answer a few questions - she seems to know a lot more then she's letting on. And what about those bubble gum chewing, trampoline bouncing blockheaded girls that suddenly went missing? Is this the work of something sinister?
This book is listed as for 8-12 year olds, and in that respect I would have to disagree with the publisher. I have a 7 and 11 year old and there is no way my 7 almost 8 year old would be able to enjoy this book. It's a little dark for the younger set, and some of the verbiage is a little long for them. I would say that the 11+ crew would gain the most enjoyment from the title.
March 9, 2010
Stephanie (who prefers to be called Svetlana) moves to a new town and attends a new school. Many of the kids think that she’s a bit of an oddball; Svetlana prefers wearing black, only eats red food, has extrasensory powers, and believes that she’s a vampire. Is that really so strange? What Svetlana finds strange is her new neighbor Mrs. Bones. At first glance, Mrs. Bones seems like a perfectly normal old lady, but Svetlana soon learns differently.
Meanwhile, Svetlana and her classmates meet their new science teacher Ms. Larch. For some reason, Ms. Larch smells like rotting garbage to Svetlana and no one else. And as she spends more time with Mrs. Bones, Svetlana realizes that Mrs. Bones smells like cookies baking. What is going on? Late one night, Svetlana wakes to the sound of her dog barking and finds Mrs. Bones in her treehouse (which she calls The Oak of Doom). There, Mrs. Bones tells Svetlana that she is not a vampire, but one “who knows” and is now part of the Circle, a secret group who fights vampires throughout the world. Their first task, Mrs. Bones explains, is to eliminate evil Ms. Larch!
This is a great book; Svetlana is a snarky girl who has a good head on her shoulders. The two dorky boys she enlists to help her are funny cowards, while Ms. Larch is a smooth villian! Recommend this to female readers who want a good book about vampires but aren’t ready for the Twilight series yet.
Meanwhile, Svetlana and her classmates meet their new science teacher Ms. Larch. For some reason, Ms. Larch smells like rotting garbage to Svetlana and no one else. And as she spends more time with Mrs. Bones, Svetlana realizes that Mrs. Bones smells like cookies baking. What is going on? Late one night, Svetlana wakes to the sound of her dog barking and finds Mrs. Bones in her treehouse (which she calls The Oak of Doom). There, Mrs. Bones tells Svetlana that she is not a vampire, but one “who knows” and is now part of the Circle, a secret group who fights vampires throughout the world. Their first task, Mrs. Bones explains, is to eliminate evil Ms. Larch!
This is a great book; Svetlana is a snarky girl who has a good head on her shoulders. The two dorky boys she enlists to help her are funny cowards, while Ms. Larch is a smooth villian! Recommend this to female readers who want a good book about vampires but aren’t ready for the Twilight series yet.
April 25, 2010
Stephanie has changed in the weeks since she and her family moved to California from Texas. She can't sleep in her bed, but sleeps very well under it. She no longer cares for her old favorite foods, but loves red foods of all types. She is becoming very sensitive to odors, and suddenly looks fantastic in black. Strangest of all, she is beginning to sense the thoughts of others. "Svetlana," as she now wants to be called, thinks she is turning into a vampire.
When Svetlana meets her new science teacher, Ms. Larch, she thinks she has found a kindred soul, another vampire. But through some surprising new friendships and her own senses and courage she discovers her true nature and prepares herself to engage her immortal enemy in a battle for the lives of her classmates and mankind.
I've been disturbed for some time with the obsession with vampire stories on the part of both readers and publishers. Far too many youngsters are reading books they aren't emotionally mature enough for because there is a glut of supernatural books at the YA and adult levels but few for younger readers. Here's a vampire book for those youngsters who aren't ready for the all the gore and violence, but they want to be! Yes, there is death and killing of the undead in the story, but they are age-appropriately handled. Young readers who watch network television will not be "grossed out" or traumatized by anything in this light-hearted supernatural tale. Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
When Svetlana meets her new science teacher, Ms. Larch, she thinks she has found a kindred soul, another vampire. But through some surprising new friendships and her own senses and courage she discovers her true nature and prepares herself to engage her immortal enemy in a battle for the lives of her classmates and mankind.
I've been disturbed for some time with the obsession with vampire stories on the part of both readers and publishers. Far too many youngsters are reading books they aren't emotionally mature enough for because there is a glut of supernatural books at the YA and adult levels but few for younger readers. Here's a vampire book for those youngsters who aren't ready for the all the gore and violence, but they want to be! Yes, there is death and killing of the undead in the story, but they are age-appropriately handled. Young readers who watch network television will not be "grossed out" or traumatized by anything in this light-hearted supernatural tale. Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
January 1, 2013
Svetlana Grimm is a snarky and hilarious narrator of middle school life. She describes her classmates and teachers as if they're from another planet and prefers to remain secluded in the tree of doom, her personal hideout than risk their company. However, she's forced to attend school for the first time in her usually homeschooled life.
From the first day of class she's suspicious of the science teacher. Although Ms. Larch is beautiful Svetlana can smell the evil in her. Literally, Larch smells like a rotting carcass. Svetlana has heightened senses, because she is a vampire. She can only eat red foods, sleeps under her bed, and can sense people's thoughts.
But, if she is a vampire, what is Ms. Larch? Larch, too, seems to be telepathic, and she seems to have plans for Svetlana...but is she a mentor or a killer?
A Taste for Red takes the vampire myth and gives it a bit of a flip, leading to an interesting story, with some pretty fun characters. There were some questionable bits, like the kids carrying around 'unstable' dynamite in their backpacks, not to mention Svetlana's complete lack of fear when Lenora Bones pulls a 'stiletto' out of her boot. Overall, however, the story was fun and fast moving, with memorable characters and a lot of humor.
From the first day of class she's suspicious of the science teacher. Although Ms. Larch is beautiful Svetlana can smell the evil in her. Literally, Larch smells like a rotting carcass. Svetlana has heightened senses, because she is a vampire. She can only eat red foods, sleeps under her bed, and can sense people's thoughts.
But, if she is a vampire, what is Ms. Larch? Larch, too, seems to be telepathic, and she seems to have plans for Svetlana...but is she a mentor or a killer?
A Taste for Red takes the vampire myth and gives it a bit of a flip, leading to an interesting story, with some pretty fun characters. There were some questionable bits, like the kids carrying around 'unstable' dynamite in their backpacks, not to mention Svetlana's complete lack of fear when Lenora Bones pulls a 'stiletto' out of her boot. Overall, however, the story was fun and fast moving, with memorable characters and a lot of humor.
March 16, 2010
Svetlana (aka Stephanie) Grimm is not your average 6th-grader, as she will be the first to tell you. And she is certainly not looking forward to life at Sunny Hill Middle School. Sunny Hill?? Not exactly the kind of place a young vampire feels comfortable. Yes, Svetlana is a vampire (or so she thinks) and "being a vampire is a solitary business". But despite her best efforts, she finds herself making friends at her new school, as well as getting to know her elderly neighbor, Lenora Bones. Unfortunately, her mysterious science teacher, Ms. Larch, throws a wrench into things, and when life at Sunny Hill suddenly takes a dark turn, Svetlana must face the reality of who she really is.
A reluctant heroine with a sarcastic sense of humor, Svetlana strikes a chord with the outsider in us all. A Taste for Red is a funny, fast-paced and suspenseful read which has series potential written all over it.
A reluctant heroine with a sarcastic sense of humor, Svetlana strikes a chord with the outsider in us all. A Taste for Red is a funny, fast-paced and suspenseful read which has series potential written all over it.
May 11, 2010
This is an enjoyable story about an eleven year old girl who thinks she's turned into a vampire, even though she hasn't been bitten by anything. Why? Because she likes to wear black, she sleeps under her bed, and she prefers to eat foods that are red. :)
I thought her angst and attitude was a bit over the top in the beginning, but it mellowed out nicely and the rest of the story was interesting and well-paced. The conclusion was satisfying, yet set up for future sequels. I, for one, would read more of these adventures, and I can see kids enjoying them, too.
SPOILER WARNING!
This reminded me a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer because the main character turns out to be something of a 'chosen one,' rather than a vampire. And, she forms friendships with regular people, who end up helping her against the powers of evil. Very Buffy-esque, yet still done in a unique and interesting way.
I thought her angst and attitude was a bit over the top in the beginning, but it mellowed out nicely and the rest of the story was interesting and well-paced. The conclusion was satisfying, yet set up for future sequels. I, for one, would read more of these adventures, and I can see kids enjoying them, too.
SPOILER WARNING!
This reminded me a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer because the main character turns out to be something of a 'chosen one,' rather than a vampire. And, she forms friendships with regular people, who end up helping her against the powers of evil. Very Buffy-esque, yet still done in a unique and interesting way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2012
Self-named and self-proclaimed, Svetlana Grimm is a charming and clever girl who believes she is a vampire. Consequently, she can only eat red things...or white, because white is neutral. What makes Lewis Harris' "A Taste for Red" stand out is that the funny parts come out of Svetlans's compulsions and idiosyncrasies, rather than merely out of snarkiness. The story begins on Svetlana's first day in public school after having been home-schooled her entire life. At first, it's hard to tell if she really is a vampire or if her behavior is a result of her insecurities about being at school - either way...VERY FUNNY. Her superior intelligence, a result of the home-schooling shows in her everyday observations, such as when her father wipes his brow (glandular problems). This is a wonderful book for young readers, featuring a funny, inquisitive, and ultimately courageous girl.
March 9, 2016
Ich finde das Cover nicht wirklich sehr ansprechend. Man kann Svetlana unter anderem auf dem Cover erkennen und eine Fledermaus. „Die Vampirin lieber untot als todlangweilig“ ist ein Einzelband.
Das Buch ist sehr witzig und kindlich geschrieben, was meinen Geschmack nicht wirklich angesprochen hat. Ich wollte zwar mal wieder ein lustiges, leichtes Buch lesen, aber nicht so ein übertriebenes.
Die Geschichte ist ja eigentlich nicht so schlecht gewesen, doch mit der Schreibweise bin ich einfach nicht klargekommen. Ich habe dieses Buch sehr schnell ausgelesen, da es nicht sehr viele Seiten hatte und weil ich endlich damit fertig werden wollte. Ich muss aber auch sagen, dass nicht alles an dem Buch schlecht war.
Zusammenfassend muss ich sagen, dass ich dem Buch leider nur zwei Sterne geben kann, da es mich einfach nicht ausreichend überzeugt hat.
Das Buch ist sehr witzig und kindlich geschrieben, was meinen Geschmack nicht wirklich angesprochen hat. Ich wollte zwar mal wieder ein lustiges, leichtes Buch lesen, aber nicht so ein übertriebenes.
Die Geschichte ist ja eigentlich nicht so schlecht gewesen, doch mit der Schreibweise bin ich einfach nicht klargekommen. Ich habe dieses Buch sehr schnell ausgelesen, da es nicht sehr viele Seiten hatte und weil ich endlich damit fertig werden wollte. Ich muss aber auch sagen, dass nicht alles an dem Buch schlecht war.
Zusammenfassend muss ich sagen, dass ich dem Buch leider nur zwei Sterne geben kann, da es mich einfach nicht ausreichend überzeugt hat.
January 3, 2015
Poor StephanieSvetlana Grimm - moved from Texas to California, going from being homeschooled to in Middle School, and worse: only liking red foods, sleeping under her bed, able to control other's thoughts and a heightened sense of smell. What is going on? She must be a vampire, right?
Well, not quite right. It seems that Svet is actually a version of Buffy, an Olfactive and a potential member of the Circle of Red. But she also has to deal with Sandy and her minions (Marsha and Madison) and form her own Scoobies, Foote and Fumio. And then there's her dog, Razor, and hertreehouseOak of Doom.
All-in-all, this feels like the start of a good series for younger MS students.
Well, not quite right. It seems that Svet is actually a version of Buffy, an Olfactive and a potential member of the Circle of Red. But she also has to deal with Sandy and her minions (Marsha and Madison) and form her own Scoobies, Foote and Fumio. And then there's her dog, Razor, and her
All-in-all, this feels like the start of a good series for younger MS students.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2012
Artemis Fowl by way of Charles Addams?
This was the first impression I got of the main character, Svetlana, as I was introduced to her and her world. She's got a little bit of the super-genius "holier than thou" attitude but she also has a slightly dark twist to her humor. I felt she'd be right at home as a cousin of the Addams Family.
The author introduces a new take on vampires and supernatural creatures which I found interesting and refreshing. I don't want to give away much about the mythos in the book because I hope other readers will enjoy the discovery of it as much as I did as Svetlana learns it.
I look forward to Sveltana encountering more things that go bump in the night. It'd be interesting to see her evolve as she gets older.
This was the first impression I got of the main character, Svetlana, as I was introduced to her and her world. She's got a little bit of the super-genius "holier than thou" attitude but she also has a slightly dark twist to her humor. I felt she'd be right at home as a cousin of the Addams Family.
The author introduces a new take on vampires and supernatural creatures which I found interesting and refreshing. I don't want to give away much about the mythos in the book because I hope other readers will enjoy the discovery of it as much as I did as Svetlana learns it.
I look forward to Sveltana encountering more things that go bump in the night. It'd be interesting to see her evolve as she gets older.
May 22, 2010
Svetlana Grimm seems to have become a vampire. And she’s moved from Texas to somewhere else, and she’s gone from being homeschooled to being a 6th grader at Sunny Hills Middle School. The kids on the whole are welcoming, but the science teacher definitely is not. She’s scary and threatening (to Svetlana) and she smells like rotten meat. With the help of a couple of boys from her class, Svetlana ultimately learns she is not a corrupted vampire (one who needs blood) but a good guy (the good guys smell like cookies) and in this book, the good guys triumph. Not a difficult read, but probably better for 5th grade and up.
June 26, 2010
Stephanie has been homeschooled her whole life, but when her family moves and her mom takes a job, she is forced to attend public school for the first time. Simultaneously she begins to notice other changes. She can only eat red foods and she can only sleep UNDER the bed to name a few. Stephanie, who suddenly prefers to be called Svetlana believes she is turning into a vampire. When her new science teacher seems to share similar traits, Svetlana believes she has found a kindred spirit, however, after someone tries to poison her and then run her down with a van, she wonders if her science teacher is her ally or her enemy.
October 22, 2010
Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2010-2011
So, I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I was not in love with this book. I listened to it on audio, and I didn't find myself enjoying it until disc 4...of 4. I found the narrator to be annoying and have too high an opinion of herself, although I enjoyed watching her realize that some of the other children her age would be okay. I also thought that she was overreacting and just having stress from moving, and when that ended up not being the case, I was disappointed. I'm sure this book will be popular with kids (it's already gone missing from our library once) but it was not my type of book.
So, I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I was not in love with this book. I listened to it on audio, and I didn't find myself enjoying it until disc 4...of 4. I found the narrator to be annoying and have too high an opinion of herself, although I enjoyed watching her realize that some of the other children her age would be okay. I also thought that she was overreacting and just having stress from moving, and when that ended up not being the case, I was disappointed. I'm sure this book will be popular with kids (it's already gone missing from our library once) but it was not my type of book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2010
Svetlana Grimm (that's how Stephanie wants to be called now) has changed her taste in food (she only wants to eat read food) and dressing (she kind of likes black now). But she's also changed her Texas home schooled live to a California middle grade school. She's not happy about it and she shares her views with a sarcastic voice I loved, and I'm sure kids will do too.
With this changes, she even believes she's a vampire but when she meets face to face with the evil vampire she has to change her mind, quickly!
A fun read and totally age appropiate, kids will love it and I'm sure will wait for new adventures of Svetlana and her friends.
With this changes, she even believes she's a vampire but when she meets face to face with the evil vampire she has to change her mind, quickly!
A fun read and totally age appropiate, kids will love it and I'm sure will wait for new adventures of Svetlana and her friends.
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