From the Publisher
"Heartfelt, humorous, and fast-paced. This book will make you fall in love with zombies!” — Daka Hermon, author of Hide and Seeker and Nightmare King
“Maggot’s nostrils! Prepare to be entertained, grossed out, and educated all at once. This is the zombie STEM book you never knew you needed, and won’t be able to put down.” — Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea and Nightmare Island
“Get ready for some ghoulish good times! This book is going to make your starving brain salivate and you’ll scarf down every page!” — Guadalupe García McCall, Pura Belpré Award–winning author
"Numerous gross-out moments in this genre-bending tag-team horror adventure." — Publishers Weekly
"With its mix of forensics, ADHD representation, and suspense, this novel offers a unique read for those who enjoy spooky science fiction and heartfelt storytelling. A story with plenty of heart—and other body parts." — Kirkus Reviews
"This funny, affirming work injects a perfect dose of ick into the fast-paced action. Readers of this tweenage romp will unearth a playful yet authentic exploration of body and brain science with an abundance of heart."
— Booklist
"Offering this book to children who love adventure and a bit of horror is a no-brainer." — Horn Book Magazine
Kirkus Reviews
2024-07-19
The days are bound to be interesting when your backyard is a body farm, as 12-year-old Francisca Mirabel Gonzalez well knows.
Frani relishes the decomposition science her father studies at Central Texas University’s Forensic Anthropology Research Facility. Far from squeamish, she helps her dad prepare cadavers for their placement in the field so he can record data on how bodies decompose under different conditions. Frani, who struggles with ADHD, worries that Benji Tanaka, a new scientist’s son, will find her interest weird. But Benji, who’s also 12, surprises her by sharing her fascination. After several of the cadavers turn up missing, Benji and Frani come face-to-face with a reanimated corpse. Befriending the teenage zombie, they try to discover his identity before the other missing bodies wreak havoc on campus. Gruesome—and scientifically accurate—details about the dead bodies will enthrall readers with strong stomachs. Cuevas, who also has ADHD, presents the realistic reactions Frani receives to her condition: Her sister is hypercritical, but her dad is supportive, using strategies to help her stay focused. Frani progresses from self-criticism to self-acceptance, recognizing her neurodivergence as a strength as she helps the team round up the walking dead. With its mix of forensics, ADHD representation, and suspense, this novel offers a unique read for those who enjoy spooky science fiction and heartfelt storytelling. Frani and her family read Latine, while Benji and his dad are cued Japanese American.
A story with plenty of heart—and other body parts. (author’s note)(Paranormal. 9-13)
