A Bite Above the Rest by Christine Virnig

What worked:

Caleb’s difficulty fitting in may resonate with some young readers. He’s warned that he needs to wear a Halloween costume to school but he refuses. He’s okay with his decision but it doesn’t make the hallway stares and bullying any easier. He then chooses to wear creative “costumes” based on puns and wordplay. For example, he glues plastic coins on his shirt and calls himself a quarterback. Caleb’s father has passed away and Caleb misses him dearly. He promised his father that he’d take care of his mother so Caleb feels like he must keep all of his pain to himself. He doesn’t want to worry her so he keeps his sorrow and insecurities bottled up inside.

Tai becomes Caleb’s best friend and she’s the most interesting character. She’s embraced the concept of the town celebrating Halloween year-round as she’s dressed as a fairy when Caleb first meets her. She’s also thrilled when Caleb thinks the zombie mannequin on her porch is really “alive”. She’s most upset that her parents’ idea to start a shop featuring things to ward off the supernatural, like holy water, wooden stakes, and amulets, was not granted a permit by the town. Tai convinces Caleb to partner with her on a class project where they’ll investigate the mayor and the town’s reasons for not supporting her parents’ plan. Despite the dangers they uncover, Caleb realizes he doesn’t want to flee Samhain and Tai and lose the closest friends he’s ever had.

The author tries to leave room for doubt but it’s quickly evident that real monsters are living in Samhain. Caleb suspects this right away but he’s forced to find ways to convince Tai and his mom; he won’t tell his mom about any of it until he’s certain. How can he prove monsters are living in Samhain without endangering himself? What will happen to the town if the citizens realize vampires and werewolves are living among them? Caleb and Tai try to uncover the mystery but discover everyone in town who might have information has forgotten what they once knew. Caleb is surprised to discover the cause and the thought of the monsters watching him is unnerving. The author uses these events to create suspense as the plot counts down to Halloween.

What didn’t work as well:

The climax is a little anti-climactic as readers might expect more of a face-to-face confrontation. Caleb’s plan works but, surprisingly, there’s not more resistance as it unfolds.

The final verdict:

This book will be hugely popular for lovers of Halloween! Caleb versus the Samhain monsters is the main topic of the plot but his grief after losing his father and his budding friendship with Tai are equally engaging. Overall, this book will be enjoyed by most young readers and I recommend you give it a shot.