Zom-B Hardcover – October 16, 2012

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From School Library Journal --------------------------- Gr 7-9-B Smith (gender not revealed until the end) is a punk, a bully, and a thug, easily falling into the trap of racism because of an overbearing her. B silently questions that ignorance but ultimately finds it easier, and safer, to conform to Dad's ideals rather than take a stand, as well as another beating. When the zombies attack, B is able to channel this aggression and anger and help lead fellow students trying to find a safe haven and escape. Finally, B's her comes to the rescue and, for a brief moment, all is well. An unfortunate choice, however, causes B's fragile faith to crumble and even worse tragedy ensues. B's self-loathing and doubt make this more than just your average zombie tale, and the subject will strike a chord with many teens, especially those who may find themselves at odds with the beliefs of their parents. Once the zombies attack, however, the soul-searching is put to rest and the action comes fast, furious, and relatively gory. This is the first book in a 12-volume series (with other titles being released at a projected rate of four a year), and it leaves plenty of questions unresolved. This is a promising beginning, and it's sure to have teens eagerly anticipating the next installment.-Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) From Booklist ( /gp/feature.html/?docId=1000027801 ) ---------------------------------------------------- In the first of a 12-book series, Shan introduces B, an 11-year-old antihero living in Britain. B’s gang of hooligans are going about their routine—cursing, stealing, fighting, drinking, and haranguing the weak—when news reports filter in about a zombie outbreak in Ireland. Despite grainy video clips, no one is sure if these are hoaxes or the real deal. Those expecting wall-to-wall, Jonathan Maberry–style zombie action will be surprised to discover a raw and deeply observant tale of a morally questionable kid trying, and usually failing, to move beyond the ingrained racism instilled by B’s her. It is a brave move by Shan to posit such a bigoted hooligan as our protagonist. There is light symbolism suggesting fear of “the other” can be represented by zombies, but this interesting idea is all-too-quickly overwhelmed by a third-act zombie invasion, which feels somewhat rote after the fascinating morality play that came before. Two huge surprises, though, await the reader who gets to the bloody, gruesome end, and these alone will set tongues wagging. Grades 9-12. --Daniel Kraus Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) See all Editorial Reviews ( /dp/product-description/031621440X/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&isInIframe=0 )