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Zombie Elementary: The Real Story
Larry Mullet is your typical fourth grader. He's not the biggest kid or the smartest kid or the best looking kid. He rides his bike, plays baseball, takes the school bus, avoids cafeteria food, and--oh yeah, he's a zombie hunting expert. Larry was just doing his usual thing when Alex Bates from Ms Hoag's class tried to eat him. Sadly, that was only the beginning. Something odd was going on at Brooks Elementary... and it was up to Larry and his friends to take charge (for some reason). Hilariously told interview-style as a record of the REAL story, and peppered with zombie tips and facts, zombie cheerleaders and plenty of gore, this book will be a surefire hit for anyone interested in a ghoulishly good life-or-death comedy.
244 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2014
6 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Howard Whitehouse
17 books17 followersHoward Whitehouse lives in Hudson Valley, New York, US, with his wife, Lori Whitehouse, a pastor.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 3, 2021
Ah, while I enjoyed this book, I think the issue was that it was just too long—the story kind of felt like it was dragging at certain points. This also read a lot younger than 9-12 in some parts, and then extremely dark at other parts.
It was fun, but it got to the point where I was just wanting it to end. I love stories about zombies, but the idea that not even adults notice that there are zombies until they’re either literally dead, or are finally faced with a hoard of kids who don’t listen to their admonishments was a bit farfetched to me, even if it was a kids book.
I’d recommend it if you enjoy silly zombie books.
Happy reading!
It was fun, but it got to the point where I was just wanting it to end. I love stories about zombies, but the idea that not even adults notice that there are zombies until they’re either literally dead, or are finally faced with a hoard of kids who don’t listen to their admonishments was a bit farfetched to me, even if it was a kids book.
I’d recommend it if you enjoy silly zombie books.
Happy reading!
August 11, 2019
I just picked this up for something quick to read and to fill spots in challenges. It was okay, but I probably would have liked it more if I was the targeted audience. It had some funny parts that I'm sure 10 year old boys would find funny.
October 12, 2021
The issue about this book is that there is not enough action. The book was just dragging along while you read it. On the bright side I loved all of the characters and I loved 🥰 how they describe the zombies. It definitely was gruesome but FUNNY. This book is definitely a keeper.
September 7, 2014
I received a free digital ARC of this book via NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
Larry Mullet is a fourth grader who spends his time playing baseball, complaining about cafeteria food, not really reading or studying, and hanging out with his super-intelligent best friend, Jermaine. When he is attacked by a classmate, Larry doesn't know what to think because his parents don't let him watch horror movies, but Jermaine quickly surmises that there is a zombie apocalypse occurring - so Larry and his friends become zombie hunters!
Zombie Elementary: The Real Story is a great, action-packed read for kids and adults alike. The characters are likable and it's not difficult to tell them apart, although I don't think it ever says how old they are so I had some concerns about how age-appropriate this all was (as well as how long it was).
The text is broken up by cute "Zombie Tips" and interjections by the person interviewing Larry. The humor is not overdone - there are some common jokes, like misunderstanding "big" words, oblivious adults, and allusions to other works in the genre. Some parents may want to read the story first if they are concerned about the age-appropriateness "almost-cusswords," gore/violence, or other themes that are typical of the horror genre.
Larry Mullet is a fourth grader who spends his time playing baseball, complaining about cafeteria food, not really reading or studying, and hanging out with his super-intelligent best friend, Jermaine. When he is attacked by a classmate, Larry doesn't know what to think because his parents don't let him watch horror movies, but Jermaine quickly surmises that there is a zombie apocalypse occurring - so Larry and his friends become zombie hunters!
Zombie Elementary: The Real Story is a great, action-packed read for kids and adults alike. The characters are likable and it's not difficult to tell them apart, although I don't think it ever says how old they are so I had some concerns about how age-appropriate this all was (as well as how long it was).
The text is broken up by cute "Zombie Tips" and interjections by the person interviewing Larry. The humor is not overdone - there are some common jokes, like misunderstanding "big" words, oblivious adults, and allusions to other works in the genre. Some parents may want to read the story first if they are concerned about the age-appropriateness "almost-cusswords," gore/violence, or other themes that are typical of the horror genre.
June 20, 2019
This book is great for elementary school aged kids that are interested in zombies, bit are too young for the hardcore stuff. Just enough yuckiness to keep kids happy and not be traumatized from too much gore
July 21, 2018
Review by C.N. : "Like. They are zombie hunters. [Recommended for] boys who like zombies."
March 13, 2019
It was scary and funny. I couldn't put it down!
January 20, 2022
Fun with some clever one liners, kid heroes, and zombies but not too much gore. Cute.
August 2, 2025
This was a cute book, I wonder how many kids I went to school with were actually zombies lol :D Easily read this in a day ♥
February 27, 2017
Not one of my favorites. A little too gruesome for my tastes.
December 31, 2014
I received Zombie Elementary for Free via Goodreads First Reads program in return for an honest review. When the book arrived I was in the middle of reading a High Fantasy, and was ready for a bit of fluff fun. Even though I didn’t realized the book was for middle school children (probably should have since the name is Zombie Elementary; although Zombies and young Children aren’t necessarily something you put together) I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was.
This novel is a Comedy book telling the True Story of Zombie outbreak that began at Brooks Elementary. It’s told from the perspective of Larry, a middle school student, via a quasi-interview format. In addition, the book is full of random Zombie Tips which make it quite amusing. Essentially Larry, and a few of his friends realize that there is a Zombie outbreak beginning – probably from the Meatloaf served in the cafeteria that ‘No Kid Should Ever Eat.’ As a result, they decide to take matters into their own hands, especially considering how none of the adults are paying attention to the strange things going on.
Of course, taking matters into their own hands means doing research and figuring out what happened to cause the situation, all the while continuing with their lives since the grown-ups just aren’t paying attention – even when they sometimes notice things. Consequently, they meet the local member of the government organization BURP, who take care of crazy things like that. Unfortunately, due to budgeting cuts he isn’t really able to deal with things because he’s on his own. In addition, they end up meeting Chuck and his crazy Grandmother who run the local chainsaw business because everyone knows that Zombies hate chainsaws. In the end they sort of save the town, and a lot of the people are unzombified by the government but it is important to have a proper record.
Essentially, this book is a fun light read for adults, but is also totally age appropriate for the target audience. If you’re looking for a Zombie book to give to your children, since this Zombie craze looks to not be abating any time soon, but also don’t want them getting into the gory adult side of the subgenre then this book is for you. It has humor, it has age appropriate ‘violence’ and will appeal to that middle school child in your life.
This novel is a Comedy book telling the True Story of Zombie outbreak that began at Brooks Elementary. It’s told from the perspective of Larry, a middle school student, via a quasi-interview format. In addition, the book is full of random Zombie Tips which make it quite amusing. Essentially Larry, and a few of his friends realize that there is a Zombie outbreak beginning – probably from the Meatloaf served in the cafeteria that ‘No Kid Should Ever Eat.’ As a result, they decide to take matters into their own hands, especially considering how none of the adults are paying attention to the strange things going on.
Of course, taking matters into their own hands means doing research and figuring out what happened to cause the situation, all the while continuing with their lives since the grown-ups just aren’t paying attention – even when they sometimes notice things. Consequently, they meet the local member of the government organization BURP, who take care of crazy things like that. Unfortunately, due to budgeting cuts he isn’t really able to deal with things because he’s on his own. In addition, they end up meeting Chuck and his crazy Grandmother who run the local chainsaw business because everyone knows that Zombies hate chainsaws. In the end they sort of save the town, and a lot of the people are unzombified by the government but it is important to have a proper record.
Essentially, this book is a fun light read for adults, but is also totally age appropriate for the target audience. If you’re looking for a Zombie book to give to your children, since this Zombie craze looks to not be abating any time soon, but also don’t want them getting into the gory adult side of the subgenre then this book is for you. It has humor, it has age appropriate ‘violence’ and will appeal to that middle school child in your life.
October 13, 2014
It all started when Alex Bates had three (yes, three!) helpings of the florescent green meatloaf at the school cafeteria. Not long afterwards, Alex Bates was a stumbling, wobbly-walking, blank-eyed zombie rambling through the town screaming...."BRAINS!!!" Little by little, many of the townspeople of Acorn Falls were turning into zombies, too. How come the kids are the only ones who can see it? Yes...adults are clueless, but sheesh!
Larry Mullet knows he has to do something, and fast, before the whole town is undead. He gathers his friends Jermaine and Francie, along with any weapons they can find and set out to protect what's left of Acorn Falls. The only adults who have enough wherewithal to help are Chucky and Granny, who buy, sell, and repair chainsaws (how lucky is that?, because zombies hate the noise chainsaws make) and Mr. O'Hara from B.U.R.P (the Bureau of Unusual Recurring Phenomena), a federal government agency who specializes in studying and ridding towns of zombies (for one thing).
To say the least, Alex and his friends have their hands full...a lot to ask of a ten-year-old with only a Louisville Slugger bat for a weapon. But, when all the zombies congregate at the school to get more florescent meat, Alex, Jermaine, and Francine figure out a way to trap them and keep the non-zombie kids safe. It helps that Mr. O'Hara and the government have some special green goop to eradicate the zombie population and it arrives just in time!!
Zombie Elementary: The Real Story is a just-right zombie story for the elementary age. It is full of laugh-out-loud humor, zombie tips, and action. It has a ton of silly dialogue, bumbled words, and timely anecdotes. A great introduction in horror stories for the kid that doesn't really like to be REALLY scared by a story. Lots of fun.
Larry Mullet knows he has to do something, and fast, before the whole town is undead. He gathers his friends Jermaine and Francie, along with any weapons they can find and set out to protect what's left of Acorn Falls. The only adults who have enough wherewithal to help are Chucky and Granny, who buy, sell, and repair chainsaws (how lucky is that?, because zombies hate the noise chainsaws make) and Mr. O'Hara from B.U.R.P (the Bureau of Unusual Recurring Phenomena), a federal government agency who specializes in studying and ridding towns of zombies (for one thing).
To say the least, Alex and his friends have their hands full...a lot to ask of a ten-year-old with only a Louisville Slugger bat for a weapon. But, when all the zombies congregate at the school to get more florescent meat, Alex, Jermaine, and Francine figure out a way to trap them and keep the non-zombie kids safe. It helps that Mr. O'Hara and the government have some special green goop to eradicate the zombie population and it arrives just in time!!
Zombie Elementary: The Real Story is a just-right zombie story for the elementary age. It is full of laugh-out-loud humor, zombie tips, and action. It has a ton of silly dialogue, bumbled words, and timely anecdotes. A great introduction in horror stories for the kid that doesn't really like to be REALLY scared by a story. Lots of fun.
June 20, 2016
While being cute and easy to read for most kids, this story could have used a bit more zombie description than the redundancy of "BRAAAAIIINS" and "AAAAAARGNNNNNN" when it came to the actions of zombies. I did enjoy how the story was set up. Larry is doing a Tell All file to a buddy named Kyle about zombies coming to school, how they got rid of them, and how no adults really seemed to take notice. I enjoyed a character called Chucky and his Grandma since they were kooky and all hill billy. There was just enough gore like heads being hit off bodies and missing legs but no blood or guts type of gore. It was good for what type of audience this is intended for. I just had such struggles with that redundant zombie noise and how Larry kept trying to explain metaphors or ask if something was a word. It was like the author was trying too hard.
The research Larry was to do seemed like content beyond his age and too mature to watch alone. As much as I love zombie flicks, kids should not watch 28 Days Later or WWZ, Resident Evil or Shaun of the Dead.
I thought the layout of the book worked great with a back and forth narrating to a script like dialogue by Larry and the interviewer. Also "Zombie Tips" are thrown through out the book which are both zany and helpful.
wanna see this on my blog? Visit Zombie Diaries here
The research Larry was to do seemed like content beyond his age and too mature to watch alone. As much as I love zombie flicks, kids should not watch 28 Days Later or WWZ, Resident Evil or Shaun of the Dead.
I thought the layout of the book worked great with a back and forth narrating to a script like dialogue by Larry and the interviewer. Also "Zombie Tips" are thrown through out the book which are both zany and helpful.
wanna see this on my blog? Visit Zombie Diaries here
March 1, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.
Maybe it is just because I am an adult and this book was written for a middle grade audience, but I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought that I would. Overall, I found that the plot was simplistic and sometimes filled with unrealistic twists. The conclusion to the book left me unsatisfied. Although the book is written for a younger audience, it often had implied foul words; it used symbols or replacement words instead of saying the actual foul word. I do not find this appropriate for anyone, much less a young audience. There were also derogatory jokes towards stereotypical school groups, such as cheerleaders being brainless before they were turned into zombies.
Overall, I just did not find the book satisfying. Many minor plot lines were left unfinished and the characters were not very developed. If you enjoy humorous books with cheesy humor, this may be the book for you. This is just not the genre that I typically read, so I found that the book was not for me.
Maybe it is just because I am an adult and this book was written for a middle grade audience, but I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought that I would. Overall, I found that the plot was simplistic and sometimes filled with unrealistic twists. The conclusion to the book left me unsatisfied. Although the book is written for a younger audience, it often had implied foul words; it used symbols or replacement words instead of saying the actual foul word. I do not find this appropriate for anyone, much less a young audience. There were also derogatory jokes towards stereotypical school groups, such as cheerleaders being brainless before they were turned into zombies.
Overall, I just did not find the book satisfying. Many minor plot lines were left unfinished and the characters were not very developed. If you enjoy humorous books with cheesy humor, this may be the book for you. This is just not the genre that I typically read, so I found that the book was not for me.
January 5, 2015
I received a free kindle copy of Zombie Elementary by Howard Whitehouse, published by Random House of Canada, Tundra Books from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I gave it 3 1/2 stars. Or I would if I could. It was not a four but not a three. It was a little difficult to read because of the 'Interview-Responder' technique until I became accustomed to it. It's written for age level 9 to 12 & it seems suitable for that age group.
It's about Larry Mullet who is called different names by a teacher. He's an ordinary fourth grader until a zombie epidemic is started. The adults are oblivious so it's up to Larry & his friends to set the situation right.
There were parts I found funny. Here's one of them.
"'Bat, man!' whispered Jermaine.
For a moment I thought a caped crusader might be coming to save us, but then I realized what he meant. I had to get the Louisville Slugger."
Can Larry help save the town without being bitten & turned into a brain eating zombie? Or will he be eaten by the existing zombies?
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1770...
It's about Larry Mullet who is called different names by a teacher. He's an ordinary fourth grader until a zombie epidemic is started. The adults are oblivious so it's up to Larry & his friends to set the situation right.
There were parts I found funny. Here's one of them.
"'Bat, man!' whispered Jermaine.
For a moment I thought a caped crusader might be coming to save us, but then I realized what he meant. I had to get the Louisville Slugger."
Can Larry help save the town without being bitten & turned into a brain eating zombie? Or will he be eaten by the existing zombies?
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1770...
October 15, 2014
If a Zombie outbreak begins in your school cafeteria, what do you do? Well, first off I’d call Larry Mullet. He survived the outbreak at Brooks Elementary and would be of great help. He, his sister and their friends give it their all and protect numerous adults from the brain-eaters.
The book is a great tale for 5th grade and up through Middle School. The dialogue is perfect 5th grade, the parents typically ignoring the obvious to the kids. Baseball games? Zombies. Church? Zombies. Home? You guessed it. Zombies!
The book is filled with “Zombie Tips” such as: Locking a window is completely pointless. Zombies always break windows. They have no respect for people’s property. True enough.
Anyway, since we are getting closer to Halloween, this is a perfect Jack-O-Lantern stuffer. Your kid is gonna love it!
The book is a great tale for 5th grade and up through Middle School. The dialogue is perfect 5th grade, the parents typically ignoring the obvious to the kids. Baseball games? Zombies. Church? Zombies. Home? You guessed it. Zombies!
The book is filled with “Zombie Tips” such as: Locking a window is completely pointless. Zombies always break windows. They have no respect for people’s property. True enough.
Anyway, since we are getting closer to Halloween, this is a perfect Jack-O-Lantern stuffer. Your kid is gonna love it!
January 27, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
In this hilarious, zombie-filled comedy, fifth-grader Larry Mullet tells the story about how he and his friends fought back against the undead monsters that overran their town. Larry and his friends, unnoticed by any of their parents, battle their baseball-team-turned-zombies while trying to search for the source of the outbreak and destroy it. The book is filled with helpful “Zombie Tips” and is written to teach readers what to do if zombies come to their school!
I thoroughly enjoyed this silly read. I love zombie books in general, but I really liked that this quirky book, aimed at middle-school readers, had the right balance of comedy, excitement, and action. This book has some age-appropriate gore but is not overly graphic (for a book about zombies) and has a happy ending. The book is somewhat long at 244 pages but I think it was well worth the time!
In this hilarious, zombie-filled comedy, fifth-grader Larry Mullet tells the story about how he and his friends fought back against the undead monsters that overran their town. Larry and his friends, unnoticed by any of their parents, battle their baseball-team-turned-zombies while trying to search for the source of the outbreak and destroy it. The book is filled with helpful “Zombie Tips” and is written to teach readers what to do if zombies come to their school!
I thoroughly enjoyed this silly read. I love zombie books in general, but I really liked that this quirky book, aimed at middle-school readers, had the right balance of comedy, excitement, and action. This book has some age-appropriate gore but is not overly graphic (for a book about zombies) and has a happy ending. The book is somewhat long at 244 pages but I think it was well worth the time!
May 24, 2015
The star of our story is Larry Mullet. He is in the fourth grade and life is about to get very interesting for him. All around Larry people are beginning to become zombies. This includes folks at school, on his little league baseball team, and all over town. Larry and his friends must defend themselves and search for a way to stop this outbreak.
Howard Whitehouse does an amazing job telling the story with humor and the perfect pace (and just the right amount of grossness) to keep the attention of middle grades readers (and this middle aged reader). Highly recommended!
Howard Whitehouse does an amazing job telling the story with humor and the perfect pace (and just the right amount of grossness) to keep the attention of middle grades readers (and this middle aged reader). Highly recommended!
September 28, 2014
Electronic galley provided by publisher and NetGalley.
Zombie novel for kids. Some dismemberment and zombie annihilation, but everybody apparently gets cured and comes back to life in the end. Zombie Elementary has highly unbelievable action, over-the-top characters (think Chuckyessentially and Granny), and out of left field plot elements (BURP to the rescue). The actual story, zombie tips, and interview interjections just didn't come together. Sorry. Didn't particularly like it.
Zombie novel for kids. Some dismemberment and zombie annihilation, but everybody apparently gets cured and comes back to life in the end. Zombie Elementary has highly unbelievable action, over-the-top characters (think Chuckyessentially and Granny), and out of left field plot elements (BURP to the rescue). The actual story, zombie tips, and interview interjections just didn't come together. Sorry. Didn't particularly like it.
February 13, 2015
This tween zombie story was a quick read and while it won't be a favorite of older, hardcore zombie fans it WILL be well loved by elementary and young middle school readers just getting their feet wet in the introductory splash zone of the zombie apocalypse. It's more Diary of a Wimpy Kid than The Walking Dead, to be sure. I will be adding this book to my grades 5-9 library and I expect it to have heavy circulation among the younger grades.
August 15, 2014
It’s a clever and an exiting adventure. I llloooooooooooovvvvveedd the “zombie tips!” My favorite part was when the teacher smears blood all over the window saying “nnaaarrrrgggghhhh!” And “Bbbrrrraaaaaiiiiiinnnnnssss!” I like the little interviews. This book is great for boys, such as my brother, and girls like me.
October 23, 2014
This was a hit with my 7 year old and my 8 year old. They have read it two times each! I am hoping this is just the beginning! If you want a book that your kids will love - look no further. It is great to see your kids reading, but to see them reading and hear them laughing while they do, well that is priceless!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2014
While I'm not the biggest fan of the Zombie genre, this was a quick and fun introduction into the world of zombie fighting. As I read it as an ARC I'll wait to post my full opinion.
I'll post a full review later. :)
I'll post a full review later. :)
December 13, 2014
Fun for young ones, the main character Larry is so frank about the whole zombie thing it had me laughing a lot! A great read for kiddos and the like who enjoy some adventure and humor. My only main "warning" is that some parents may not like the level of snark that happens in the book.
June 1, 2016
Kyle interviews Larry about what really happened during the secret zombie outbreak.
Told with a caring yet lighthearted feel, readers are led step by step through this infestation.
Overall, a fun and somewhat whimsical read.
Told with a caring yet lighthearted feel, readers are led step by step through this infestation.
Overall, a fun and somewhat whimsical read.
October 21, 2014
Really fun book...perfect for reluctant readers...on a topic that interests them, but told in an age-appropriate manner...
January 19, 2015
Review coming
February 10, 2015
Meh. Lame writing. Too much chatter. Zombies caused by meatloaf also lame.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews