My Zombie Hamster

Gr 3–6—Life isn't so bad after the zombie apocalypse. Walls surround the town of Edenvale, and Zombie Zappers lure the walking dead to their final ends. The zombies are dangerous but under control, which frees Matt Hunter to worry about more pressing matters, like what he's going to get for Christmas. Matt hopes for a controller for his favorite video game, but his parents disappoint him by giving him a hamster instead. Snuffles doesn't do much except eat and sleep, until he dies and rises up as a zombie. Anti-Snuffles—as Matt now refers to his undead pet—soon escapes captivity. Now Matt and his friends must hunt down malevolent rodent before it turns Edenvale's pets into an army of the dead. McCreely maintains a humorous tone throughout, keeping the story from ever getting too dark. The irreverent narrator, short chapters, and brisk pace will appeal to reluctant readers. My Zombie Hamster contains some implied violence, but nothing too graphic, making it the perfect pick for readers who are interested in zombie action, but who are not ready for gore. The satisfying conclusion leaves just enough unresolved to hint at future adventures involving Matt and his ghoulish rodent.—Tony Hirt, Hennepin County Library, MN