Jimmy knew the minute he found Abbey at the shelter that he’d found a pretty special dog. But, he never in a million years imagined she’d be a super special “crime-fighting, vampire dog”!
Crime Biters! My Dog is Better Than Your Dog by Tommy Greenwald is an engaging mystery. Greenwald’s story is told through the eyes of the main character Jimmy, a young man who has 3 passions in life: the television show Stop! Police!, vampire detective novels, and dogs. Whether it is dealing with friends, seemingly self-absorbed family members, or the horrible new nanny, Jimmy is a resourceful and relatable character. Like any young boy, he sometimes makes bad decisions (especially when a girl is involved), but his loyalty to his family, friends and dog always wins out.
Crime Biters! is written in an accessible, easy to read spy journal style, complete with detailed illustrations and “character profiles”, which lends it a great voice throughout the narrative. With a story that holds the reader from beginning to end, the book is an immensely enjoyable read.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Scholastic Press (A Scholastic Imprint)
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Dog chases an animal; references to a TV/book character nearly dying; sunlight causes dog discomfort; character nearly falls through rotten planks; food makes animal sick; animal runs into adult; animal steals food out of adult’s hands; a few instances of adults trying to hit an animal; animal chases suspicious adults; adult locks dog in closet; adult restrains another adult; adult tries to abduct animal/kids; adult threatens to throw animal off a roof; animal bites an adult; adult hits animal; character threatens to jump off a roof; character playfully punches another’s arm and puts in a headlock.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Subject Matter:
Illegal activity, bullying, loyalty, suspected supernatural.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
None