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Dead Jed #1
Dead Jed: Adventures of A Middle School Zombie
Dead Jed is Shaun of the Dead meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Jed's not your typical junior high geek. He is, to use the politically-correct term, cardiovascularly-challenged. And while his parents have attempted to shield him from the implications of being 'different' for as long as they could (Jed was 8 and at a friend's sister's birthday party when he blew his lips off onto the cake in front of everyone, finally prompting the “Big Talk” from his parents and an emergency SuperGlue repair by his dad), 7th grade at Pine Hollow Middle School as a target of Robbie the supreme school bully and his pack of moronic toadies is rapidly becoming unbearable.
From being stuffed in a filled trash can as “dead meat” and into a trophy case as the bully's “prize,” to literally having his hand pulled off in the boys' room (Jed's always losing body parts. Luckily, a good stapler and some duct tape and he's back in the action) and a cigarette put in it and try to frame him for the recent reports of smoking in the school, Jed's had enough and is ready to plan his revenge. Besides, it's awesome what you can do when you're already dead!
From being stuffed in a filled trash can as “dead meat” and into a trophy case as the bully's “prize,” to literally having his hand pulled off in the boys' room (Jed's always losing body parts. Luckily, a good stapler and some duct tape and he's back in the action) and a cigarette put in it and try to frame him for the recent reports of smoking in the school, Jed's had enough and is ready to plan his revenge. Besides, it's awesome what you can do when you're already dead!
- GenresZombiesMiddle Grade
214 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Scott Craven
11 books22 followersI've been a writer most of my life, with my earliest verifiable work coming in third grade when I established a link between the Pilgrims and the invention of Thanksgiving (since repudiated).
More recently, I'm pleased to announce my new novel, "Upton Arms: An Active Lifestyle Home for the Supernaturally Enhanced," will be published later this year by City Owl Press. As with Dead Jed, it turns the horror genre on its head. The vampires, werewolves, witches and similar characters discover they don't live forever, but do suffer from late-onset mortality. Powers dwindle, bones creak, and creatures both mythical and legendary get pretty cranky when they don't get enough sleep. Upton Arms provides a safe space when world domination is no longer an ambition.
Dead Jed has its roots in my own horror that was seventh grade. I just wanted to fit in, but at 4 feet, 6 inches tall, all I fit into were lockers and trash bins. I eventually reached average height and was able to turn those misadventures into a book starring a zombie who, yes, just wants to fit in. Only Jed's story is way funnier than mine, and he gets even. I never did. Until now.
I'm a retired journalist with more than 40 years in the newspaper business, most spent as a feature writer for The Arizona Republic in Phoenix. I live in a small town in Oregon with my wife Melissa, a few dogs and, so I'm told, a cat or two. While the gray skies are tiresome, the craft beer is not.
Well, until now.
More recently, I'm pleased to announce my new novel, "Upton Arms: An Active Lifestyle Home for the Supernaturally Enhanced," will be published later this year by City Owl Press. As with Dead Jed, it turns the horror genre on its head. The vampires, werewolves, witches and similar characters discover they don't live forever, but do suffer from late-onset mortality. Powers dwindle, bones creak, and creatures both mythical and legendary get pretty cranky when they don't get enough sleep. Upton Arms provides a safe space when world domination is no longer an ambition.
Dead Jed has its roots in my own horror that was seventh grade. I just wanted to fit in, but at 4 feet, 6 inches tall, all I fit into were lockers and trash bins. I eventually reached average height and was able to turn those misadventures into a book starring a zombie who, yes, just wants to fit in. Only Jed's story is way funnier than mine, and he gets even. I never did. Until now.
I'm a retired journalist with more than 40 years in the newspaper business, most spent as a feature writer for The Arizona Republic in Phoenix. I live in a small town in Oregon with my wife Melissa, a few dogs and, so I'm told, a cat or two. While the gray skies are tiresome, the craft beer is not.
Well, until now.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 26, 2015
Such a great middle grade read! Dead Jed is an awesome character, and I really enjoyed this first book of a promising series!
June 11, 2022
Middle school can be tough for anyone. For Jed, though, middle school is a whole other level. Why, you ask? Simple. Jed is cardiovascularly challenged. At least, that's what he calls it. Everyone else just calls him a zombie. And, yes, he's dead; he has no heartbeat and he has no need to breathe. But he's still alive. Or as alive as you can be when you are also dead.
I loved listening to this book. It was such a good premise, so different that even when the situations Jed faced are similar to many other middle-school books, they seem brand new. I mean, how often do you have a situation where a person getting bullied decides to get back at his bully by cutting off his own finger in shop class and then making sure a whole bunch of fake blood splurts all over said bully? And that was an actual situation in this book.
As the first book in a series, I will definitely be listening to more books in this series. Not only is the story so interesting that I didn't want to pause the book, but the narrator - August Ross - did a great job with the performance, and I am looking forward to listening to him perform book 2 of the series.
I loved listening to this book. It was such a good premise, so different that even when the situations Jed faced are similar to many other middle-school books, they seem brand new. I mean, how often do you have a situation where a person getting bullied decides to get back at his bully by cutting off his own finger in shop class and then making sure a whole bunch of fake blood splurts all over said bully? And that was an actual situation in this book.
As the first book in a series, I will definitely be listening to more books in this series. Not only is the story so interesting that I didn't want to pause the book, but the narrator - August Ross - did a great job with the performance, and I am looking forward to listening to him perform book 2 of the series.
December 4, 2013
The minute I saw the cover and read the synopsis for this book, I knew it was going to be awesome! Just saying it was awesome feels like an understatement. It was way better than just awesome. Dead Jed was fun, hilarious, charming, evocative and impossible to put down! I devoured it in less than two days, and now I can’t wait for the sequel. I even went back and reread a couple of chapters and passages to make sure I didn’t miss a thing. But the best part in all this was that my fourteen-year-old son enjoyed this book as much as I did. I read my ARC copy out loud to him and we roared with laughter at the exact same time every time something side-splitting happened in the story. Trust me when I say there are tons of highly amusing moments in this gem of a MG novel. Never before have I read anything like it. After finishing the book, my son told me that Dead Jed ranks right up there with his favorite series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, of which he has read every book in the series thus far. Oh and, if you’ve watched Shaun of the Dead (and enjoyed it as much as I have) you’ll quickly get the spot-on comparison between this book and that movie.
One of my absolute favorite lines in this book (and which I’m guessing will become a favorite of many readers) was when Jed very calmly replied: “I’m brain dead, not stupid.” You just can’t miss the humor in that...coming from a zombie...or should I say the “cardiovascularly challenged”? And speaking of zombie, I have to say that Jed is a phenomenal character. He’s completely lovable. In my opinion what makes him such a memorable character is his intelligence, his endurance, and his razor-sharp wit. For a dead guy, Jed rocks! I will never look at the living dead the same way again. Jed is the essence of the unlikely hero. He is not the only fully developed character, though. His parents (two of the coolest adults ever!), his best friend, Luke, and his almost-girlfriend, Anna, are all extraordinary characters in their own right, and each one of them adds something heartfelt and sincere to this novel.
Robbie the bully, as unlikeable as he is, balanced Jed out perfectly as Jed’s weaknesses and strengths plays off against Robbie’s merciless taunting and harassment. I appreciated that the author spent as much time developing Robbie’s character as he did the rest of the characters, because Robbie obviously plays a pivotal role in the development of the story. Also, I love when the villain isn’t a caricature of every typical evil mastermind featured in popular movies, books and tv programs. I loved that Robbie’s actions were unpredictable, but yet stayed true to the familiar actions of bullies everywhere. In his own way, Robbie is also a stand-out character, and besides, he isn’t done with “Zomboy” yet.
Apart from phenomenal characters, Dead Jed is a story with depth, and includes many life lessons and truths young and old will be able to identify with. The issue of bullying is definitely the running theme here, but I appreciated that the author didn’t tiptoe around it or glorify it any way. Jed, being a zombie and all, is clearly different in countless ways from every other kid at school which makes him the ultimate target for bullies and those who aren’t classified as bullies, but who are less tolerant of a class mate they judge based on appearance. Simultaneously it showcases that intolerance has no age restriction and how adults are also guilty of this, even if more so between the lines. The most heartfelt moments for me were how his parents dealt with their son being different and how they encouraged him to use his differences to his advantage. As many times as I rolled with laughter throughout this book, there were just as many times I had to wipe away a tear or wanted to hug Jed and praise him for embracing his individuality. The author did an outstanding job with not allowing Jed’s parents to coddle him, but still remain sympathetic to his feelings. I felt that zombie was used as a metaphor for being different whether it is by race, culture, religion, social standing or anything that makes a person stand out from the rest. It subtly, but clearly, highlighted how ignorant, stereotypical and narrow-minded people of all ages can be. I also loved how insightfully each group in the middle school hierarchy was described and where Jed fit into all of that.
Other elements I enjoyed were the frequent references and comparisons to popular zombie movies, tv shows and paraphernalia; and one of my many favorite scenes included the one at the school dance with Michael Jackson’s song Thriller.
For a MG novel the romance between Jed and Anna is rather noteworthy. Not only is it sweet and makes you go “awwww”, it also has substance to it. I’ve read YA novels where the romance wasn’t nearly as touching as the first-love between these two seventh graders.
The ending also had a nice twist I never saw coming.
So, what more does this book offer? Well, there are the clever puns and the narrative perfectly suited for younger readers, but at the same time it won’t make older readers feel like they’re reading a children’s book. Right after the acknowledgements you’ll find a preview of the first chapter of book two. It also includes a fun zombie quiz titled, You Don’t Know Dead! For awesome zombie games, quizzes, facts, and questions, you can visit the author’s website right here.
I’m entirely convinced this series is going to be as big and popular as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, if not more. It might be aimed at middle grade readers, but I will highly and happily recommend it to readers aged 9 to 99! As soon as this book is available in print, I’m getting a copy. This is undoubtedly a book I want displayed on my son’s bookshelf because I haven’t been this excited about a children’s series since Harry Potter - though these two can’t be compared as both are vastly different and in a league of its own. Dead Jed shines in its uniqueness and I, for one, am excitedly looking forward to the rest of this series which can be enjoyed by boys and girls!
One of my absolute favorite lines in this book (and which I’m guessing will become a favorite of many readers) was when Jed very calmly replied: “I’m brain dead, not stupid.” You just can’t miss the humor in that...coming from a zombie...or should I say the “cardiovascularly challenged”? And speaking of zombie, I have to say that Jed is a phenomenal character. He’s completely lovable. In my opinion what makes him such a memorable character is his intelligence, his endurance, and his razor-sharp wit. For a dead guy, Jed rocks! I will never look at the living dead the same way again. Jed is the essence of the unlikely hero. He is not the only fully developed character, though. His parents (two of the coolest adults ever!), his best friend, Luke, and his almost-girlfriend, Anna, are all extraordinary characters in their own right, and each one of them adds something heartfelt and sincere to this novel.
Robbie the bully, as unlikeable as he is, balanced Jed out perfectly as Jed’s weaknesses and strengths plays off against Robbie’s merciless taunting and harassment. I appreciated that the author spent as much time developing Robbie’s character as he did the rest of the characters, because Robbie obviously plays a pivotal role in the development of the story. Also, I love when the villain isn’t a caricature of every typical evil mastermind featured in popular movies, books and tv programs. I loved that Robbie’s actions were unpredictable, but yet stayed true to the familiar actions of bullies everywhere. In his own way, Robbie is also a stand-out character, and besides, he isn’t done with “Zomboy” yet.
Apart from phenomenal characters, Dead Jed is a story with depth, and includes many life lessons and truths young and old will be able to identify with. The issue of bullying is definitely the running theme here, but I appreciated that the author didn’t tiptoe around it or glorify it any way. Jed, being a zombie and all, is clearly different in countless ways from every other kid at school which makes him the ultimate target for bullies and those who aren’t classified as bullies, but who are less tolerant of a class mate they judge based on appearance. Simultaneously it showcases that intolerance has no age restriction and how adults are also guilty of this, even if more so between the lines. The most heartfelt moments for me were how his parents dealt with their son being different and how they encouraged him to use his differences to his advantage. As many times as I rolled with laughter throughout this book, there were just as many times I had to wipe away a tear or wanted to hug Jed and praise him for embracing his individuality. The author did an outstanding job with not allowing Jed’s parents to coddle him, but still remain sympathetic to his feelings. I felt that zombie was used as a metaphor for being different whether it is by race, culture, religion, social standing or anything that makes a person stand out from the rest. It subtly, but clearly, highlighted how ignorant, stereotypical and narrow-minded people of all ages can be. I also loved how insightfully each group in the middle school hierarchy was described and where Jed fit into all of that.
Other elements I enjoyed were the frequent references and comparisons to popular zombie movies, tv shows and paraphernalia; and one of my many favorite scenes included the one at the school dance with Michael Jackson’s song Thriller.
For a MG novel the romance between Jed and Anna is rather noteworthy. Not only is it sweet and makes you go “awwww”, it also has substance to it. I’ve read YA novels where the romance wasn’t nearly as touching as the first-love between these two seventh graders.
The ending also had a nice twist I never saw coming.
So, what more does this book offer? Well, there are the clever puns and the narrative perfectly suited for younger readers, but at the same time it won’t make older readers feel like they’re reading a children’s book. Right after the acknowledgements you’ll find a preview of the first chapter of book two. It also includes a fun zombie quiz titled, You Don’t Know Dead! For awesome zombie games, quizzes, facts, and questions, you can visit the author’s website right here.
I’m entirely convinced this series is going to be as big and popular as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, if not more. It might be aimed at middle grade readers, but I will highly and happily recommend it to readers aged 9 to 99! As soon as this book is available in print, I’m getting a copy. This is undoubtedly a book I want displayed on my son’s bookshelf because I haven’t been this excited about a children’s series since Harry Potter - though these two can’t be compared as both are vastly different and in a league of its own. Dead Jed shines in its uniqueness and I, for one, am excitedly looking forward to the rest of this series which can be enjoyed by boys and girls!
September 9, 2022
幽默溫馨的zombie故事，但我應該不會再嘗試middle grade的小說了，我這年紀跟這個類型已相去甚遠，讀起來頗不習慣。
March 9, 2024
This was super fun and cute! Jed's a great little character, and that ending between Stanzer and Buckley was absolutely brilliant!
May 16, 2018
My Review:
I couldn't pass up reading the second book in this series. If you haven't read the first one you should its really cute and holds a very strong message about bullies and being different. This book has that same message and poor Jed just wants to be normal, and he wants a dog. When he creates an undead dog things get a little crazy for him and a new organization has popped up called the No Zombies Now Network. You can’t Jeb just live a normal life and why do his limbs always keeps falling off ;)
I love Jed, he is just so funny and I really do laugh out loud and most of the stuff in the book as well as when his leg or arm falls off. Robbie is still a jerk but you find out a lot more about him and his out of school life. I really think he likes Jed more than he makes it seem like. However he still throws him in the garbage cans on Taco Day. Anna and Luke are also back but Jed’s relationship with Luke is a little strained and he can’t seem to figure out what happened.
The story is fun and hilarious, with all that is going on it’s hard to put this down, so much fun to read and one of my favorite series, I can’t wait to read the next one and see what Jed will get into next.
A little slow build up in the middle but over all this is a really get book that I new would be a good 4 star. Something I think kids and adults would really enjoy!
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This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
I couldn't pass up reading the second book in this series. If you haven't read the first one you should its really cute and holds a very strong message about bullies and being different. This book has that same message and poor Jed just wants to be normal, and he wants a dog. When he creates an undead dog things get a little crazy for him and a new organization has popped up called the No Zombies Now Network. You can’t Jeb just live a normal life and why do his limbs always keeps falling off ;)
I love Jed, he is just so funny and I really do laugh out loud and most of the stuff in the book as well as when his leg or arm falls off. Robbie is still a jerk but you find out a lot more about him and his out of school life. I really think he likes Jed more than he makes it seem like. However he still throws him in the garbage cans on Taco Day. Anna and Luke are also back but Jed’s relationship with Luke is a little strained and he can’t seem to figure out what happened.
The story is fun and hilarious, with all that is going on it’s hard to put this down, so much fun to read and one of my favorite series, I can’t wait to read the next one and see what Jed will get into next.
A little slow build up in the middle but over all this is a really get book that I new would be a good 4 star. Something I think kids and adults would really enjoy!
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This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
December 3, 2013
Middle Grade humor at its finest.
Let me start with the title. Really? What could be more awesome or more enticing then DEAD JED and this cover art? LUV.
So the entire book is written with phrase like cardiovascularly-challenged or meatstick or Dude, that pass was dead-on ... Get it? The voice is great, totally age appropriate and funny. At times, Jed even has a dry sense of humor. Mostly, he pokes at himself. The kid RAWKS!
Honestly, there were times I wanted to reach inside the pages of the book and squeeze him to death. Well, if he wasn't already dead. Such a sweet boy and refreshing change from either the shy-geek boy or the swank, dark-haired boy. Don't get me wrong, though. Other than the his-heart-doesn't-beat thing, he's a normal middle grader. He daydreams about the future, isn't all that excited about school, is desperate to avoid the main bully on campus, gets annoyed and angry, and, of course, he thinks about girls. But, he figures with a little duct tape and staples he'll be all set.
Seriously. Limbs fall off every once in a while for a zombie. And this kid comes prepared. I'm chuckling as I'm writing this because it's told in such a silly way, I feel it's appropriate for this age group. No gore or anything of that nature. It's normal for this world of a zombie kid living among humans.
Jed's view of his world is unique, for obvious reasons. But then again, not so obvious. He's a thinker, a dreamer. And, although he has wished to be 'normal', he comes to see the value in who he is and how he can influence others. That doesn't mean things get any easier for him, just that he gets it.
Through all this hilarity, Craven addresses such issues as bullying, self-esteem, and family. All of which kids of this age group must address. Each is dealt with through plausible scenes; frankly, a few I remember from my own middle grade years - minus the zombie kid. Jed is clever, but genuine and thinks of others. I love how Craven points out that most in Jed's position would scoff at society; instead, Jed embraces people. Even the bully who relentlessly badgers him. He learns to trust other kids, and in turn, teaches them a thing or two about themselves.
Let me start with the title. Really? What could be more awesome or more enticing then DEAD JED and this cover art? LUV.
So the entire book is written with phrase like cardiovascularly-challenged or meatstick or Dude, that pass was dead-on ... Get it? The voice is great, totally age appropriate and funny. At times, Jed even has a dry sense of humor. Mostly, he pokes at himself. The kid RAWKS!
Honestly, there were times I wanted to reach inside the pages of the book and squeeze him to death. Well, if he wasn't already dead. Such a sweet boy and refreshing change from either the shy-geek boy or the swank, dark-haired boy. Don't get me wrong, though. Other than the his-heart-doesn't-beat thing, he's a normal middle grader. He daydreams about the future, isn't all that excited about school, is desperate to avoid the main bully on campus, gets annoyed and angry, and, of course, he thinks about girls. But, he figures with a little duct tape and staples he'll be all set.
Seriously. Limbs fall off every once in a while for a zombie. And this kid comes prepared. I'm chuckling as I'm writing this because it's told in such a silly way, I feel it's appropriate for this age group. No gore or anything of that nature. It's normal for this world of a zombie kid living among humans.
Jed's view of his world is unique, for obvious reasons. But then again, not so obvious. He's a thinker, a dreamer. And, although he has wished to be 'normal', he comes to see the value in who he is and how he can influence others. That doesn't mean things get any easier for him, just that he gets it.
Through all this hilarity, Craven addresses such issues as bullying, self-esteem, and family. All of which kids of this age group must address. Each is dealt with through plausible scenes; frankly, a few I remember from my own middle grade years - minus the zombie kid. Jed is clever, but genuine and thinks of others. I love how Craven points out that most in Jed's position would scoff at society; instead, Jed embraces people. Even the bully who relentlessly badgers him. He learns to trust other kids, and in turn, teaches them a thing or two about themselves.
August 13, 2016
*Received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Blog tour: 9th December 2013!
Fun and quirky, this story will definitely make you laugh but also understand the life of a real zombie! The cover is fun, bright and colourful immediately catching your attention. It would greatly appeal to younger readers.
Jed / Dead Jed / DJ has been a zombie ever since he was born. However, he is as down to earth as anyone could ever get, but when he starts 7th grade he immediately comes in contact with the school bully. But when Jed has finally had enough, he pulls the biggest revenge plan any dead guy can pull. Besides... he's already dead!
Jed is an hilarious character; he is funny and unique, always making you smile and laugh out loud! He is also a very clever zombie, especially with his acts of revenge I could not stop laughing. I also loved the how he repaired his limbs; as a Zombie Jed's arms and body parts may fall off with only the slightest pressure so he always brings duct tape and staples with him... There isn't really much he can do about the ooze!
I love the way that Scott has made his ideas of Zombie's very unique; how people treat him and how the usual Hollywood stuff isn't true. It has shone a new light on Zombies. There were also a few funny icky scenes, for example: how his skin peels off and that his limbs can just be pulled off, Robbie's reaction to the ooze was hilarious!
This story is a light fun read which will have you laughing in seconds. It is unique and quirky, where Zombie triumphs over evil. GO ZOMBIES! Wahoo!
Blog tour: 9th December 2013!
Fun and quirky, this story will definitely make you laugh but also understand the life of a real zombie! The cover is fun, bright and colourful immediately catching your attention. It would greatly appeal to younger readers.
Jed / Dead Jed / DJ has been a zombie ever since he was born. However, he is as down to earth as anyone could ever get, but when he starts 7th grade he immediately comes in contact with the school bully. But when Jed has finally had enough, he pulls the biggest revenge plan any dead guy can pull. Besides... he's already dead!
Jed is an hilarious character; he is funny and unique, always making you smile and laugh out loud! He is also a very clever zombie, especially with his acts of revenge I could not stop laughing. I also loved the how he repaired his limbs; as a Zombie Jed's arms and body parts may fall off with only the slightest pressure so he always brings duct tape and staples with him... There isn't really much he can do about the ooze!
I love the way that Scott has made his ideas of Zombie's very unique; how people treat him and how the usual Hollywood stuff isn't true. It has shone a new light on Zombies. There were also a few funny icky scenes, for example: how his skin peels off and that his limbs can just be pulled off, Robbie's reaction to the ooze was hilarious!
This story is a light fun read which will have you laughing in seconds. It is unique and quirky, where Zombie triumphs over evil. GO ZOMBIES! Wahoo!
December 13, 2013
3.5 Stars
'Dead Jed' is a funny and smart middle grade novel that follows the mishaps and adventures of Jed, who just happens to be a zombie. Like most middle school kids, Jed has to worry about homework, bullies, and parents - but with the added problem of losing limbs on a regular basis. Jed is having a particularly hard time with a bully named Robbie whose favorite pastime is to torment Jed and stuff him into various garbage cans. Jed and his best friend Luke decide it's time that they get their revenge.
This was a fun and fast-paced paranormal novel that was an easy read. The writing was very conversational and flowed naturally, so it engages the reader right from the start. Jed is a great main character for the story. Most readers don't have a zombie as a main character in a book, let alone a protagonist, but Jed's condition is only part of who he is, and the reader learns to appreciate other aspects of his personality other than the fact that he's a zombie. Jed faces lots of normal problems that kids deal with daily, so he's easy to identify with for the reader. The story was light-hearted with lots of witty remarks and fun situations that will have younger readers highly entertained. Jed's story may be one of a normal guy getting through life as a seventh grader, but it's made all the more interesting because he's a zombie. Putting that twist on the plot really makes this book original and fans of middle grade paranormal fiction will love it!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Dead Jed' is a funny and smart middle grade novel that follows the mishaps and adventures of Jed, who just happens to be a zombie. Like most middle school kids, Jed has to worry about homework, bullies, and parents - but with the added problem of losing limbs on a regular basis. Jed is having a particularly hard time with a bully named Robbie whose favorite pastime is to torment Jed and stuff him into various garbage cans. Jed and his best friend Luke decide it's time that they get their revenge.
This was a fun and fast-paced paranormal novel that was an easy read. The writing was very conversational and flowed naturally, so it engages the reader right from the start. Jed is a great main character for the story. Most readers don't have a zombie as a main character in a book, let alone a protagonist, but Jed's condition is only part of who he is, and the reader learns to appreciate other aspects of his personality other than the fact that he's a zombie. Jed faces lots of normal problems that kids deal with daily, so he's easy to identify with for the reader. The story was light-hearted with lots of witty remarks and fun situations that will have younger readers highly entertained. Jed's story may be one of a normal guy getting through life as a seventh grader, but it's made all the more interesting because he's a zombie. Putting that twist on the plot really makes this book original and fans of middle grade paranormal fiction will love it!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2014
You thought your middle school years were tough? You had it easy compared to the main character in this book, which is the first in a new series tackling the adventures of 7th grader Jed Rivers who is trying to survive his first year at his 7th-8th grade middle school and avoid the usual pitfalls. However, getting bullied and tossed in the trash can soon become regular events, yet Jed is hassled even more than the other “sevvies” (7th graders) because of his unique status as a “flatline enhanced” person, or as he least likes to be called, a zombie.
Jed’s worried about more than his lunch getting taken; it’s usual for him to be scrambling to find a body part or two after three-time eighth grader, Robbie, gets ahold of him. Any good, strong pull can result in arms, legs or even fingers getting detached from Jed’s body. (Luckily, he can reattach limbs with either a stapler or duct tape.) As if that wasn’t enough, Jed deals with sickly gray skin that sheds worse than a bad case of dandruff and a body that oozes slime whenever he gets stressed out--which happens a lot in middle school.
Teens, especially guys, will happily laugh their way through Jed’s horrific experiences, some of which might gross out the faint of heart. Readers will cheer for Jed as he tries to change from a zero to a hero even if he doesn’t have a beating heart. Along the way, Jed falls in love with a Goth girl and learns that revenge is best served with a lots of spewing blood.
Jed’s worried about more than his lunch getting taken; it’s usual for him to be scrambling to find a body part or two after three-time eighth grader, Robbie, gets ahold of him. Any good, strong pull can result in arms, legs or even fingers getting detached from Jed’s body. (Luckily, he can reattach limbs with either a stapler or duct tape.) As if that wasn’t enough, Jed deals with sickly gray skin that sheds worse than a bad case of dandruff and a body that oozes slime whenever he gets stressed out--which happens a lot in middle school.
Teens, especially guys, will happily laugh their way through Jed’s horrific experiences, some of which might gross out the faint of heart. Readers will cheer for Jed as he tries to change from a zero to a hero even if he doesn’t have a beating heart. Along the way, Jed falls in love with a Goth girl and learns that revenge is best served with a lots of spewing blood.
October 18, 2014
I don't read a lot of middle grade, but I liked this one! I haven't read the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid books, but from what I know about them, I think kids who like those books will really like Dead Jed.
I like Jed, and how hard he tried to fit in, even though he has a medical condition that basically means he's a zombie. I really like that it's something that he has to deal with during the entire book, and that you see who Jed really is. Being a zombie is only part of who Jed is, and he's just a normal kid trying to get through 7th grade. It made the book a lot more original and different, and it really highlighted how horrible it can be to be different in middle school.
Dead Jed is definitely clever and light-hearted and witty, and I couldn't help but laugh a few times throughout the book. It's definitely a fun book that also has a lot of heart. And Jed is definitely bullied and has to deal with people who aren't tolerant of his condition, but I really liked how he dealt with it.
I liked the pop culture references, especially the zombie pop culture references. You can't go wrong with Michael Jackson's Thriller, especially at a school dance!
Let's Rate It: Dead Jed is a fun book, and it's definitely a great middle grade read- but I think a lot of people would enjoy this story, regardless of age. Dead Jed gets 3 stars.
I like Jed, and how hard he tried to fit in, even though he has a medical condition that basically means he's a zombie. I really like that it's something that he has to deal with during the entire book, and that you see who Jed really is. Being a zombie is only part of who Jed is, and he's just a normal kid trying to get through 7th grade. It made the book a lot more original and different, and it really highlighted how horrible it can be to be different in middle school.
Dead Jed is definitely clever and light-hearted and witty, and I couldn't help but laugh a few times throughout the book. It's definitely a fun book that also has a lot of heart. And Jed is definitely bullied and has to deal with people who aren't tolerant of his condition, but I really liked how he dealt with it.
I liked the pop culture references, especially the zombie pop culture references. You can't go wrong with Michael Jackson's Thriller, especially at a school dance!
Let's Rate It: Dead Jed is a fun book, and it's definitely a great middle grade read- but I think a lot of people would enjoy this story, regardless of age. Dead Jed gets 3 stars.
December 8, 2013
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
I love how this book was written for starters. It was easy to read and get into. This book was funny and touched on some serious topics, although it wasn't slammed in your face. Bullying is a big concern today with young people, and having worked with young people myself I saw firsthand how easy it seems to be for them to hurt one another. Jed is able to stand his own, with his friends and find himself and who he is, especially with his condition.
A lighthearted book with humor, it was a refreshing take on zombies. I've read several zombie books before but this one was probably the most fun of the all. Even though Jed is a zombie, I think he's very relatable not to just young people but to adult readers as well. Everyone has times in their lives where they don't seem to fit in, but it's how you deal with the situations that help make you who you are.
This is a great middle grade novel! Funny as all get out so make sure to put it on your to-read list!
I love how this book was written for starters. It was easy to read and get into. This book was funny and touched on some serious topics, although it wasn't slammed in your face. Bullying is a big concern today with young people, and having worked with young people myself I saw firsthand how easy it seems to be for them to hurt one another. Jed is able to stand his own, with his friends and find himself and who he is, especially with his condition.
A lighthearted book with humor, it was a refreshing take on zombies. I've read several zombie books before but this one was probably the most fun of the all. Even though Jed is a zombie, I think he's very relatable not to just young people but to adult readers as well. Everyone has times in their lives where they don't seem to fit in, but it's how you deal with the situations that help make you who you are.
This is a great middle grade novel! Funny as all get out so make sure to put it on your to-read list!
June 25, 2014
Where to even start? DEAD JED is amazing. It takes true talent to write a book that's witty and has such clever humor. That's exactly what DEAD JED has. Jed is a middle school zombie. He always carries duct tape, staples, and whatever else he needs to make sure his appendages stay on. Jed is resilient to say the least. He is constantly bullied by Robbie, the school's number one d-bag. He makes a game of tearing Jed's arm off or humiliating him in any way possible.Jed is clever, though. He comes up with a brilliant plan to prank Robbie and make him think twice about who he bullies next.
There's a little romance, a lot of humor, and even more heart. This author is truly talented, and I can't wait for the sequel. If you have someone in your family who loves an upper middle grade novel, or if you're an adult who wants to veg out for a few hours and laugh frequently, then I HIGHLY recommend DEAD JED. Please, the whole world needs to read this novel. Share the news once you've finished it.
There's a little romance, a lot of humor, and even more heart. This author is truly talented, and I can't wait for the sequel. If you have someone in your family who loves an upper middle grade novel, or if you're an adult who wants to veg out for a few hours and laugh frequently, then I HIGHLY recommend DEAD JED. Please, the whole world needs to read this novel. Share the news once you've finished it.
October 18, 2015
This was a cute middle grade book about a young boy who is growing up a bit different than others as he is a zombie. He faces things that most other every day kids face, bullies, crushes, etc. The only thing different is the fact that if you pull on his arm a little to hard it might come off and have to be taped back on.
Dead Jed fights his way though middle school with all sorts of ups and downs. I love how he tries to deal with the bully Robbie by writing in wickopedia how you can be turned into a zombie and then making Robbie think he was going to turn into a zombie cause he got some of Jeds blood and ooze on him. :)
It’s a fun coming to age story that I think a lot of young readers can identify with even though he is a zombie. Jed is a fun character and I can’t wait to try the other books in the series to see how he survives the rest of his school years. :)
This is great for young readers who like friendly zombies and are fans of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Middle School by James Patterson.
Dead Jed fights his way though middle school with all sorts of ups and downs. I love how he tries to deal with the bully Robbie by writing in wickopedia how you can be turned into a zombie and then making Robbie think he was going to turn into a zombie cause he got some of Jeds blood and ooze on him. :)
It’s a fun coming to age story that I think a lot of young readers can identify with even though he is a zombie. Jed is a fun character and I can’t wait to try the other books in the series to see how he survives the rest of his school years. :)
This is great for young readers who like friendly zombies and are fans of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Middle School by James Patterson.
February 10, 2014
This is a great MG read about your average middle school boy ... who happens to be a zombie! I loved this book because it portrayed the whole zombie state very differently from the common examples of pop culture (The Walking Dead, etc.) - it actually portrayed the zombie (Jed) as a normal kid who just wanted to be normal! Really refreshing take & highly entertaining!
June 23, 2016
Even though I'm not a teen/tween myself I really loved this book. I'm glad it's part of a trilogy because that means more to love. It's about a middle school boy named Jed who is a zombie. I think middle school kids and adults will love this.
December 12, 2013
YA Books Central review:http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
May 28, 2014
This book was really entertaining and had a vivid and relatable voice throughout. A great read for a middle school or younger reader, and a fun read for adults as well.
April 8, 2015
A cute read for middle graders about trying to fit in when you feel so different from everyone else.
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