Mean Ghouls

Rotten Apple #1

by Stacia Deutsch

Rotten Apple Books: Unexpected. Unforgettable. Undead. Get bitten!

If Megan thought life at her new boarding school was going to be easy, she was dead wrong. All the students have the same mysterious virus--one that's slowly turning them all into zombies. The teachers at Zombie Academy are lifeless and the food stinks. Literally. And worst of all, the clique of popular mean girls who rule the school have already decided that Megan's dead to them.

All Megan wants is to get back to her old school and her old friends. But until a cure is found, she'll have to figure out how to survive middle school.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Mystery, Horror, Paranormal, Juvenile

175 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

#1 New York Times Best Selling Author, Stacia Deutsch has written more than 300 books.

In addition to her award-winning creative chapter book series entitled Blast to the Past, Stacia has also ghostwritten for a popular girls' mystery series, published non-fiction texts, and penned a young adult romantic comedy called In the Stars. She has also penned popular titles for Girls who Code Books 1 & 2 and several Spirit: Riding Free books.

Additionally, Stacia has written junior movie tie-in novelizations for summer blockbuster films, including HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, the New York Times Best Seller: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS JR. MOVIE NOVEL, and THE SMURFS MOVIE NOVELS.

Check out Stacia's website for more titles!

A bit more about me:
✥ Lives on a Ranch with 4 horses, 2 cats, 2 dogs and a lot of lizards
✥ Has an Masters in Fine Arts from Western State Colorado in Genre Fiction
✥ Was recently awarded a Doctor of Divinity honorary degree from Hebrew Union College
✥ Grew up in Denver, lived in Cincinnati, and now lives in California

Find her at www.staciadeutsch.com.
Email: staciadeutsch.writes@gmail.com
Twitter: @staciadeutsch, www.facebook/staciadeutsch, and www.instagram.com/staciadeutsch_writes/
Stacia lives in Temecula, California.

Reviews

[Alice Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book about Megan Murry, a girl who has become infected with zombitus and is sent to Zombie Academy (ZA). The more emotional she becomes, the faster the disease progresses, and when the new cure for zombitus is stolen and Megan believes the Zom-B's (Brooke, Brenda, Betsy - aka, the Mean Ghouls) stole the cure, she loses it emotionally. She gets so mad at everyone, alienating her friends, and accelerating her disease: Her teeth sharpen, her legs lock up...uhhhhh, uhhhhh. It was actually quite painful watching Megan self-destruct, but it was very real. People really can do crazy things when they're upset. The ever evolving social dynamics are typical of school and fun to watch. The mystery ends with the participation of everyone in Megan's life. And while things work out on every level, it's not sappy. I do feel sad for one certain boy (whom I won't name here) as I wish he would have been invited to participate in life outside of Zombis Academy. Maybe in the next book?!?

[LaDonna · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of these days I will learn not to pick up the books my tween daughter leaves laying around. This one was so bad she didn't even finish it. I was too stubborn not to, but I really remember the reading materials when I was that age being much more interesting and well written.

Time to track down some of the Trixie Belden library for her I do believe. I can't bring myself to bother trying to write a synopsis of this story.

[Hannah Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite rotten apple book. I like it how the author wrote nice characters (like zombies are extremely forgetful and the mean Bs). It is so mysterious. I like the theme, the genre and the cover as well. It's a good twist for children's books

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book’s about a 12-year-old girl name Megan Murry who contracted a mysterious case of a zombie virus that made her transferred to Zombie Academy which is a school for students who contracted the same virus (aka zombie students). The book details her life with making new friends as well as some enemies. She wants to find the stolen cure and go back home.

This book is obviously written for elementary students so I did enjoyed reading it; it’s got fair shares of action, drama, thriller and little suspenses building up.

Some scenes made my eyes widen or go “really?” Lol. It definitely gave me some reaction which is quite impressive for an elementary book.

What I dislike is how this was written in 3rd POV. I prefer a 1st POV for the audience to better understand the feelings and thoughts of the characters. “Megan wondered this,” “Megan wondered that” etc. A story told from a 1st POV can better provide the scopes of someone’s inner thoughts. However, this is not a big issue.

IMO, there isn’t a “true” antagonist in this story. Just plots and twists and making you think certain characters are the part of it.

For romance lovers, there is VERY LITTLE TO NO ROMANCE. This book is more on action, mystery, supernatural. It’s got some fun twist here.

Let’s talk about the characters. (SPOILERS)

Megan is a 12 year old girl who is great at soccer. This is a trait that has deemed to be useful later on in the story. Otherwise, if not mentioned, it can bring confusion. “Since when does Megan have all these soccer reflexes?” She’s a pretty admirable and quite witty character but she doesn’t stand out as much. No problem. She IS only 12 after all and she’s already becoming a Nancy Drew with her desire to solve this mystery about finding a stolen cure.

Sam is one of Megan’s friends and the first person she saw when she arrived to Z.A. They eventually got close but I feel like the author didn’t focus too much of their friendship. There is VERY little bonding and romance going on. I understand the minimal interaction of romance since this is a children’s book, but I think the author can do better at strengthening their bond. I also ship them as well. Sam does not stand out to me. I don’t know what he enjoys. His character just seems more prominent in playing the role of being Megan’s friend or someone who knows the way around the building. He didn’t bothered to help her figure out the stolen cure (which will make sense later on). But still, he left her on her own was which was shitty of him.

Happy is another one of Megan’s friends who I also feel their bonding can use more work. She paints and designs clothes. When she was mad at Megan, I didn’t see/remember them making up. Although that can be interpreted later on after the book? I didn’t feel connected with their friendship either. I’m confused overall with the nature of their relationship. The book did not mentioned Happy’s history with the mean ghouls aka the popular girls, if any.

Brett is one of my least favorite characters. He is a student from Megan’s old school who transferred due to receiving a virus. The book did not recaptured the scene of that happening. He was also Megan’s crush who’s this nice guy. However his personality changed after coming to ZA and he nearly placed harmed to Megan. If I was Megan and my crush tried to hurt me, my attraction would instantly died. He went from friendliness to becoming a jerk (it’s uncertain if the virus influenced that or he has a grudge against Megan for thinking she infected him). The book only said that he believed Megan infected him so it’s possible it’s the ladder. WHAT THREW ME OFF THE MOST IS HOW HE AND MEGAN’s BFF RACHAEL GOT TOGETHER, LIKE WHAT??? Rachel KNEW at Megan liked Brett at the beginning but somehow got together with Brett, and she didn’t even tell Megan!! Megan doesn’t seem to care lol. Like what?? If my bff got together with my crush I would call that instant BETRAYAL! Although by that time it happened Megan probably doesn’t like Brett anymore. But still!! He also did not APOLOGIZED to Megan for nearly hurting her. I can’t imagine resuming a casual friendship like that afterwards. At least apologized and EXPLAIN it firsthand. I believe now he did so because he thought Megan infected him. He’s a shitty character. He’s not great just because he’s “nice” or took theatre.

Zach who is Megan’s brother is probably my favorite character. He’s not on-screen much but he is witty and lovable and intelligent. He looks out for his sister and knows more about the zombie knowledge. However some things about Zach doesn’t make sense. For example, how does he know who stole the cure even though he’s absent most of the time? Has he ever met any of the zombie students? The book doesn’t revealed how Zach knows these things, perhaps it’s meant for the audience to not know?

I think most of us romance lovers can agree Megan is better off with Sam.

The so-called “popular” students aren’t worth reviewing over. They’re just those cliche popular people.

Megan also tried to befriend someone named “Reena” but that was like once and she was never mentioned again. Wtf? Got sidetracked there, author?

I think what I disliked most of all is how the book didn’t mentioned how Megan received the virus. The whole point of this book was because of that, however throughout the book it was never mentioned how she caught it. To be able to reveal that would be IMO a crucial component for this story. However since Brett got the virus because of a brownie she gave him, we can assume she caught one from eating the same thing or some cafeteria food at her old school Dana Point.

What do you think? I’m giving it 4 stars out of leniency since I think my younger self may have enjoyed it, but many things still needs to be addressed.

[♫✯Em loves Hollenstein✯♫❤the summertime and butterflies all belong to your creation❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god, these books.

[Megarose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this at the used bookstore. Got it as an irony read and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. The basic plot is a very mundane 'who stole the macguffin?' mystery with some very light school drama weaved in, which wouldn't be interesting without the zombie theming. The zombie stuff absolutely makes the book. There's a lot more body horror than I expected (exposed brains, slashed open necks, dangling eyeballs) and way more worldbuilding than the story really needed. I'm under the impression that each book in this series is a standalone, but Mean Ghouls feels like a setup for a continuous plot. Unfortunately everything gets wrapped up tidily at the end, but I think I'd like to see a whole school year's worth of absurdity in this setting.

Some romantic subplots are teased but never given proper attention, and at the end it turns out to be for the best. Zombitus makes the characters immortal and freezes their physical and mental development at the age they were infected, meaning one of the main characters has been twelve for over a hundred years. I'm relieved that the book ended without exploring the implications of him going on a date with the protagonist who is actually twelve years old. This is the only low point of the book for me and nothing actually comes of it, so I'm overall happy with what I read.

[Paige V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from my daughter, Paige, 11:
Plot:
Megan, a newly turned zombie girl, must attend a Zombie Academy due to her Zombitus (an illness that turns you into a zombie). When she arrives, she quickly learns what to expect from this school. All the teachers are zombies, and there's a group called the Zom-Bs, the popular zombie kids at the school. Will Megan bide her time there and wait for the cure?
Feelings:
This book was electrifying and very zombie-ish. The story has some scary parts, but it is not too frightening. It was fun to learn about Zombitus and how it transforms people. The characters were realistic and well-described. I liked the idea of mean popular girls because there's no way the story would be complete without mean, rotten, zombie-ish girls.
Full disclosure: I won this book via an Instagram giveaway from the author's account.

[Madelyn O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that has/had a incurable disease that would turn you into a zombie. The cure was constantly stolen by......... No one knew who or why the cure was constantly stolen. Megan Murry got zombitus and had to go to a zombie school so no one else will get it. I would recommend this book if you like mystery (ish) books. I personally like this book, there was something about the book that I liked but I can put my finger on it. Possibly it could have been because the story is suspenseful and interesting. If you want to know who has stolen the cure and why the person did it you should read Mean Ghouls.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I associate Candy Apple with my childhood in the 2000s, so I was surprised to find out that this is actually from 2012. It's interesting that everything gets resolved in one book - Megan's investigation into the cure was predictable, but I definitely expected her to learn to love herself as a zombie, not go back to being human. This obviously won't be a series since it's been a full decade since it was published, but this is a fun change from the middle grade I'd usually read.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fun despite being a bit samey and having a lot of cliches of both the zombie and boarding school genres. But it combines them in a way that at least made an interesting read when I was a kid.

This girl has a virus turning her into a zombie and so she goes to a zombie school which has the same problems as regular school. I wanted her red curly hair when I was a kid, because even zombies have good hair. The rest of the book didn’t matter to me, just the main character, how she combined zombie and new girl in school tropes, and her hair.

[Ciera Legue · Rating 2 out of 5]

if u like mainly zombies than u may like it.its ok I guess but in my personal opinion it was more boring for me to read and nothing like the poison apple books like I thought it may be beside the different name. it would be good for 7- young teen, age group if they like zombies. but I must say it doesn't follow the stereotypes throughout the whole story which I must admit I liked. it is cool to see children zombies and not all about gore like most of the zombie movies I've seen.

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half the time I got lost in the book for me thats a good thing. I could picture all the characters clearly in my mind, witch made it easier to read and understand the book. This book was very, very, enjoyable. I cant wait to read the other poison apple books!

[Ansley Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Megan was not a good friend. Was yelling at Her friends thinking she was right. When she had no proof she was right. And when it's proven she was wrong. It couldn't believe that. But no seriously, I love the book I would read it again.

[Kaylee Fossyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love ittttt.

[Amber Ly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because I got bored and it was okay. A little cringy at times, not gonna lie, but eh.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a children’s book I enjoyed it, I like that it was a complete story and can be read as a stand alone book. The characters were cool!

[So Leil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked so much.

[Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ireally adore this book it's one of my favorite books to read during my spare time

[Echo Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an amazing book! I love the characters and the way they are potrayed makes it a perfect book for those looking for a little spook!

[Simone Allegra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might just read rotten apple books for the funsies again

[Holly Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it interesting when I read it. Now whenever I deal with moldy fruit I think about this book.

[Joseline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good. I liked the boy drama and everything else.

[Mary Alice]

it was a really good book and my favorite character is Rachel :) :) :) :) :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Charlotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't actually really like the book. it's kind of bad.don't really like it

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically, this book is all about zombies. Megan Murry is infected with "zombitus", a contagious zombie disease, and begins to undergo a zombie transformation. She then goes to Zombie Academy to study together with her fellow zombies until a cure is found...and then things go wrong the cure was stolen and Megan tries to find out who the thief is

It really was an "ok read"; I enjoyed and laughed together with the other characters in some parts of the book and I still managed to turn the pages despite my complaints about the main character. For one thing, it's because she's too dense... I know that having a foggy brain is part of the zombie symptoms but, really, it was just too much. She could have quickly analyzed who the thief was if she didn't keep on jumping into conclusions. I do not know if it is the author's way of prolonging the story and making it more interesting ... but, it just didn't seem to work out for me. Another thing is that,I sort of dislike Megan's attitude, particularly her stubbornness. It was too hard to bear with her especially during the last parts of the book.

It was still a good one though,mind you. It just seemed like it was no longer appropriate for my age because it really was too predictable.

[Zara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Megan Murry just found out she had zombitus and is being sent to a boarding school for zombies! As soon as she gets to her new school things start to change, she doesn't remember things as well, her hair is changing color, and not to mention she likes to eat rotten food! Megan thinks she will get home see her best friend Rachel, tell her crush she loves him, and get home to her family in possibly weeks, but every time they make the cure somehow the cure gets stolen and since the scientists are zombies they don't remember how to remake the cure! Now Megan is on a quest to find out who stole the cure,why and to get back to her regular life. I recommend this book to girls at there of 8+. I don't think many boys would enjoy this book as much as a girl would because it wouldn't be very interesting to them! Anyway I would suggest it as a quick read but not as a present it's not that good, but hey maybe somebody would like it as a gift! :)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!!!!! I always thought that something was going to happen, but it went the other way completely. I thought that there would be some romance, but there was barely any romance at all. Maybe Stacia Deutsch could put a little bit more drama. Drama always makes a book better and then more people will want to read it. In the book it says that Megan has a weird dream about Mr. Jones, when what the dream meant, it was exactly how Sam was feeling, to me that was really weird and confusing. How can someone actually like being a zombie that lives forever, but doesn't have that many friends.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan has come down with a disease called zombites. That disease is turning her into a zombie! When Megan goes to her new school, it turns out that everyone there, have zombites. When scientists make a cure, Megan is so relieved! But when the cure gets stolen, Megan is very scared because the scientists have zombites too, and if a person has zombites, their memories don't work right, so the scientist who first made the cure can't remember how to make it!
Will Megan be able to find the cure before it's to late?

I really like this book. One of my favorite parts is when Megan is starting to look like a zombie.

[Jillian Vasquez]

This book is about Megan life at her new boarding school , she thought is was going to be easy to handle.Megan wanted to go back to her old school because of the teachers and the food wasn't good. When she got there she felt like everyone was zombies.Megan feels that the popular girls are thinking that she is dead right when they saw here. Until megan finds a way to get out of that school and go to her old school she is stuck at Zombie Academy.All megan wants to do is go to her old school and be with her old friends that are not zombies at all.Megan hated the zombie Academy from right when she walked in.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book. Read it out loud to my kids. The plot development was pretty predictable but there were a lot of nice touches and the pacing was about right. I like how the zombitus disease is portrayed; this aspect was pretty unusual. My eight-year-old girl was a little scared (especially by Sam losing his thumb) but still went to sleep, so that's about the right fear factor.

I read my kids to sleep more or less every night, so coming across a kid's book that actually surprises me is... pretty unusual. This one did--several times.