FICTION

The Zero Degree Zombie Zone

by Patrick Henry BASS
illus. by Jerry Craft. 144p. ebook available. Scholastic. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545132107; ebk. $16.99. ISBN 9780545675499; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780545132114.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–7—Nonfiction writer and Essence Magazine editor Bass has partnered with talented illustrator Craft to create a champion with whom many middle grade readers will identify. Bakari and his easy-going best friend, Wardell, must save the world from the evil ice king, Zenon, who has lost his ring and is looking for revenge. It seems that popular but cocky Tariq and Keisha may have the ring. How will the two boys solve the problem of returning the ring and standing up to the pushy pair all in one day? Refreshingly, this tale stars an African American cast. This colorful, well-illustrated story contains friendship, magic, zombies, and plenty of adventure. Readers will surely clamor for further installments from this talented duo.—Jane Hebert, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL
Kids will enjoy this school story that includes familiar details such as class elections and library time, while offering an exciting sci-fi twist. A fun middle-grade fantasy featuring African American characters. The young characters’ evolving relationships are affecting as Bakari finds himself united against the zombies with his best friend—and his two worst enemies. Zombie-fighting action will keep readers engaged. Jerry Craft’s expressive, bold-lined illustrations complement the story.
When Bakari is nominated for hall monitor, he provokes hostility from his classmates Keisha and Tariq. To make matters worse, Zenon--the king of an icy zombie dimension--kidnaps Bakari and threatens to destroy humanity if a missing magical ring is not returned. Both classroom and interdimensional conflicts are quashed in this fresh (if underdeveloped) urban fantasy. The slick black-and-white illustrations are unfortunate.

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