Synopsis "Better Off Undead"
After becoming undead, a boy tries to survive middle school in this quirky, smart adventure for middle grade readers from James Preller. Adrian Lazarus has met with a curious fate. He's returned from the dead (after a bad bike accident, no helmet), yet not a lot has changed. He's always been an outcast. But it's not just being a zombie that makes Adrian feel different. He notices the world has changed, too: bees are vanishing, forest fires are burning, super-flus are spreading. The holographic advertisements in the night sky assure people that all is well. Adrian and his friends--a beekeeping boy, a mysterious new girl, and a seventh-grade sleuth--aren't so sure. When they discover a birdlike drone has been spying on Adrian, the clues lead two powerful corporate moguls. What do they really want? Find out in Better Off Undead, a smart and funny middle-grade novel that brings together environmental concerns, sci-fi elements, and the supernatural. This title has Common Core connections. Praise for Better Off Undead: "This uproarious middle grade call to action has considerable kid appeal and a timely message." --School Library Journal "Against a near-future backdrop, Preller thoughtfully chronicles the anxieties of middle school, using a blend of comedy and horror to send a message of empowerment and self-acceptance." --Publishers Weekly "Adrian may be undead, but this is much more than a zombie tale, as it touches upon cultural issues, media control, family bonds, and environmental issues. Fans of Carl Hiassen's Hoot will be as satisfied by this as will fans of monster books or those who appreciate stories of outcasts and coming-of-age stories. Highly recommended." --Children's Literature More fast-paced adventure from James Preller: The Courage TestThe Fall The Scary Tales series: Home Sweet HorrorI Scream, You Scream!Good Night, ZombieNightmarelandOne-Eyed DollSwamp Monster The Jigsaw Jones Mysteries: The Case of the Smelly Sneaker The Case of the Mummy MysteryThe Case of the Glow in the Dark GhostThe Case of the Bicycle BanditThe Case from Outer Space The Case of the Best Pet EverThe Case of the Buried TreasureThe Case of the Million-Dollar MysteryThe Case of the Disappearing Dinosaur
