Zombie Elementary: The Real Story

Gr 4–6—Larry Mullet, a fifth grader at Brooks Elementary School, likes baseball and thinks the school lunch is especially unpleasant. But more importantly, he's a zombie hunter. While taking a message to the office, Larry encounters Alex Bates shuffling down the hall, arms outstretched, mumbling about brains. Following this chance confrontation, zombies begin popping up everywhere: baseball games, in the middle of Pastor Linda's sermon, and even at a cheerleader's sleepover. With the adults ignoring the problem, it is up to Larry; his friend Jermaine; and one very enthusiastic cheerleader/lacrosse player, Francine, to ensure the safety of Acorn Falls by defeating the zombies. With Larry's field notes scattered throughout the text, interview transcripts, and larger-than-life characters, this is a fast-paced tale that will draw in reluctant readers. Thought some kids may be confused by the abrupt change to calling zombies "zeds" halfway through the book, most will likely look past it to see just how many of the undead Larry can fight off with a baseball bat in the mall parking lot. A solid purchase for rabid zombie fans and a good pick for collections lacking in the funny horror genre.—Ashley Prior, Lincoln Public Library, RI