Middle-grade readers are in for a spooky treat with "A Bite Above the Rest" by Christine Virnig. This fast-paced, heartfelt novel published by Aladdin (Simon & Schuster) offers a unique blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth, all wrapped up in the endless Halloween festivities of the quirky town of Samhain. With unexpected twists and a memorable main character, this story is perfect for young readers who enjoy a good mystery with a supernatural twist.
Title: A Bite Above the Rest
Author: Christine Virnig
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Pages: 320
About the book:
When Caleb’s mom decides they are moving to her childhood home in Wisconsin, Caleb is not thrilled. Moving schools, states, and time zones would be bad enough,
but Mom’s hometown is Samhain, a small and ridiculously kitschy place where every day is Halloween.
Caleb is not a fan of Halloween when it only happens once a year, so Halloween-obsessed Samhain is really not the place for him. How is he supposed to cope with kids wearing costumes to school every single day? And how about the fact that the mayor is so committed to the bit that City Hall is only open from sundown to sunup to accommodate his so-called vampirism? Sure enough, Caleb becomes an outcast at school for refusing to play along with the spooky tradition like the other sixth graders. Luckily, he manages to find a friend in fellow misfit Tai, and just in time, because things are getting weird in Samhain…or make that weirder.
But there’s no way the mayor is an actual vampire, and their teacher absolutely cannot really be a werewolf—right? Caleb discovers Samhain is so much stranger than he ever could have imagined. As one of the only people who realizes what’s happening, can he save a town that doesn’t want saving?
My Review
Caleb never thought his life would get any stranger, but when his mom announces their move to her hometown of Samhain, Wisconsin, his world is turned upside down. Samhain isn’t your ordinary small town—it’s Halloween every single day! Caleb, who’s never been a big fan of Halloween, finds himself feeling like a fish out of water in a place where costumes are mandatory, the mayor claims to be a vampire, and the local teacher seems a little too wolf-like.
With his new friend Tai by his side, Caleb begins to realize that Samhain is even stranger than it appears on the surface. Monsters are everywhere, and while the rest of the town seems oblivious, Caleb becomes one of the few who can see the danger. But can he save a town that doesn't even know it needs saving?
Plot Summary: A Monster Mystery With Heart 🧛♂️🐺
What begins as a quirky, Halloween-obsessed setting soon becomes the backdrop for a deeper mystery. Caleb is navigating the challenges of being the new kid while also trying to figure out why Samhain is full of so many seemingly mythical creatures. The story strikes a great balance between creepy and funny, keeping readers on the edge of their seats without ever being too scary. The twists keep coming, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, Virnig pulls the rug out from under you with a surprise ending that even seasoned readers won’t see coming.
Characters: Caleb and Tai—A Friendship to Root For 💀👻
Caleb’s journey from reluctant new kid to unlikely hero is both relatable and touching. Virnig does a fantastic job of weaving in Caleb’s personal struggles, including his grief over the recent loss of his father and his struggles with panic attacks. These heavier moments are handled with care, adding emotional depth to an otherwise light-hearted adventure.
Tai, Caleb’s fellow misfit, is a great addition to the story. The dynamic between the two friends is fun and genuine, offering readers a relationship to cheer for. Together, they navigate not only the strange happenings in Samhain but also the difficulties of fitting in at a new school.
Setting: A Halloween Town Like No Other 🏚️🕸️
The setting of Samhain is both charming and eerie, giving off major Halloweentown and Nightmare Before Christmas vibes. Virnig’s descriptions of the town—where the mayor only holds office hours at night to accommodate his vampiric tendencies and where kids wear costumes year-round—are hilarious and imaginative. Samhain is the perfect backdrop for the supernatural mystery at the heart of the story, adding to the overall whimsy and fun of the book.
What I Loved: A Fast-Paced and Fun Escapade 🍬✨
What sets A Bite Above the Rest apart is its ability to mix lighthearted humor with more serious themes in an accessible way. Caleb’s grief over his father and his ongoing panic attacks are handled sensitively, making him a more well-rounded and relatable protagonist. Virnig masterfully balances the high stakes of the mystery with plenty of comedic moments, ensuring the story never becomes too heavy. This book will have readers laughing one moment and holding their breath the next!
The action-packed plot keeps things moving at a fast pace, and the constant twists make it hard to put the book down. It’s a perfect read for middle-grade kids who love a blend of mystery, adventure, and humor—all with a spooky twist!
What Could Have Been Better: Slightly More Development for the Villains 🕷️🦇
If there’s one thing I would have liked more of, it’s a bit more depth for some of the villainous characters. While the mayor and the other supernatural entities are fun and creepy, I would have loved a little more backstory on their motivations and how they came to rule Samhain. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book—it just leaves room for more exploration in a possible sequel!
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Halloween Read for Kids 🎃📚
“A Bite Above the Rest” is a fun, feel-good read that’s perfect for getting kids into the Halloween spirit. It offers just the right blend of spooky and silly, with an emotional core that will resonate with young readers dealing with change or grief. Caleb is a protagonist you’ll root for, and the town of Samhain is the perfect setting for this quirky, monster-filled adventure. I highly recommend this book for middle-grade readers, especially those looking for a back-to-school read that’ll get them excited for the spooky season!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
About the author:
CHRISTINE VIRNIG (she/her/hers) is a fan of books, candy, spooky stories, poop jokes, and coffee…in no particular order. As a former physician, Christine now spends her days writing books, reading books, and working at a library where she is surrounded by books. While "A Bite Above the Rest" is Virnig’s fiction debut, her nonfiction book for kids, "Dung for Dinner", was a Golden Kite Award finalist! Christine lives in southern Wisconsin with her husband, two daughters, a ridiculous number of dust bunnies, and one incredibly lazy cat. You can visit her on the web at ChristineVirnig.com.
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