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A Good Night for Shooting Zombies
Martin’s life changes the day his dad is killed in a car accident. No one talks about it, his mum refuses to leave the house, and his only consolation through the sleepless nights is solving difficult maths problems. Until he forms an unlikely friendship with his neighbour Vusi who dreams of making a zombie movie. The two are plunged head first into a wild adventure, pulling everyone they know along with them. Shortlisted for the Found in Translation award, it has also since been made into a popular film in Afrikaans.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
37 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Jaco Jacobs
331 books109 followersJaco Jacobs grew up in a small Karoo town in South Africa, where he fell in love with books at a very young age. His writing career started at school, with his participation in numerous competitions for aspiring writers, and the publication of his first short stories in magazines.
At 18 he wrote his first youth novel, Pretpark, which was later published by Human & Rousseau.
Jaco has published more than 180 books for children and young people, including picture books, collections of children’s verse, and non-fiction. More than a million copies of his books have been sold and for the past few years, he has been one of the bestselling authors in the South African market.
In addition to this, he has translated more than 300 children’s books into Afrikaans, among them four Tintin titles as well as books by Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell, Charles Fuge, Julia Donaldson and Jessica Townsend. He believes humour is one of the key ingredients in an enjoyable children’s book, and his books, such as My ouma is ’n rock-ster and Wurms met tamatiesous, and his translations are characterized by a strong element of fun.
Jaco was awarded the Alba Bouwer Prize (twice), the MML Literature Award, the Elsabé Steenberg Prize for Children’s Book Translation, the South African Translator’s Institute Award for Children’s Book Translation, the Tienie Holloway Medal, the Scheepers Prize, the Rapport/kykNET Prize and the C.P. Hoogenhout Medal, and has won twenty-nine ATKV Children’s Book Awards (the only book award in Afrikaans where children get tot vote for their favourite books). In 2008, his youth novel Suurlemoen! was named an international IBBY Honour Book. Two of his novels for teenagers, Suurlemoen! and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word, have been adapted into full-length feature films.
In 2018, translations of ’n Goeie dag vir boomklim (A Good Day for Climbing Trees) and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word (A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) were published internationally by acclaimed British publisher Oneworld, and the Italian edition of A Good Day for Climbing Trees was released in 2019. A Good Day for Climbing Trees and A Good Night for Shooting Zombies were both longlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award.
Jaco is also a freelance journalist, columnist and long-distance runner who has completed the Comrades Marathon twice. He lives in Bloemfontein with his wife, Elize, two daughters, Mia and Emma, as well as two-and-a-half dogs, a cat and a pet python.
At 18 he wrote his first youth novel, Pretpark, which was later published by Human & Rousseau.
Jaco has published more than 180 books for children and young people, including picture books, collections of children’s verse, and non-fiction. More than a million copies of his books have been sold and for the past few years, he has been one of the bestselling authors in the South African market.
In addition to this, he has translated more than 300 children’s books into Afrikaans, among them four Tintin titles as well as books by Michael Rosen, Chris Riddell, Charles Fuge, Julia Donaldson and Jessica Townsend. He believes humour is one of the key ingredients in an enjoyable children’s book, and his books, such as My ouma is ’n rock-ster and Wurms met tamatiesous, and his translations are characterized by a strong element of fun.
Jaco was awarded the Alba Bouwer Prize (twice), the MML Literature Award, the Elsabé Steenberg Prize for Children’s Book Translation, the South African Translator’s Institute Award for Children’s Book Translation, the Tienie Holloway Medal, the Scheepers Prize, the Rapport/kykNET Prize and the C.P. Hoogenhout Medal, and has won twenty-nine ATKV Children’s Book Awards (the only book award in Afrikaans where children get tot vote for their favourite books). In 2008, his youth novel Suurlemoen! was named an international IBBY Honour Book. Two of his novels for teenagers, Suurlemoen! and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word, have been adapted into full-length feature films.
In 2018, translations of ’n Goeie dag vir boomklim (A Good Day for Climbing Trees) and Oor ’n motorfiets, ’n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word (A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) were published internationally by acclaimed British publisher Oneworld, and the Italian edition of A Good Day for Climbing Trees was released in 2019. A Good Day for Climbing Trees and A Good Night for Shooting Zombies were both longlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award.
Jaco is also a freelance journalist, columnist and long-distance runner who has completed the Comrades Marathon twice. He lives in Bloemfontein with his wife, Elize, two daughters, Mia and Emma, as well as two-and-a-half dogs, a cat and a pet python.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 7, 2019
This lovely middle-grade adventure novel was translated from Afrikaans to English and is shortlisted for the Found in Translation award. Since publication, it has also been made into a popular film in Afrikaans.
Martin and his mom live alone after the death of his father. They own a small plot of land, tend to their chickens and sell the eggs locally for income. Martin had to do some growing up in the last two years since his mom is not leaving the house and is still devastated over their loss. She keeps her bedroom and all his father's things locked up, watches movies late into the night and sleeps on the couch. She used to go to work, but not anymore.
Martin is a liked boy in the community. His egg delivery runs are welcome by so many and he saves every bit of coin he receives. In school, he is an average student but excels in math. It was his father that had a brain for numbers, and Martin is following step. Everything in Martin's life is analyzed mathematically. He loves to calculate with exponents and determines different number-combinations to be a certain way.
One afternoon, one of his beloved chickens, Kathleen, is attacked by a neighbor’s dog. Martin goes to investigate and meets the family that owns the dog. This is where he meets Vusi, a homeschooled boy with cancer. The two of them hit it off immediately. Vusi is a strong & bright kid with a love for movies. His doctors have given him a survival rate of 40/60 %. His current treatments are going well and Martin and Vusi decide to make a movie with zombies. Soon, Vusi’s bedroom becomes too small for their action and they begin sneaking out the window many afternoons to shoot their movie at a barn. What they don’t know is, that this barn is simultaneously used as a storehouse by a local criminal group storing their spoils. And, as fate has it, they get tangled up in a much larger and more dangerous plot then they had anticipated!
***
Firstly, I loved the flair of this translated book. It reminds me of my own childhood when kids still played outside and used any and all resources to feed the imagination and play. Secondly, Martin’s and Vusi’s friendship is true and without spoil. I loved this camaraderie and the authenticity of their burdens and their amazing spirits. Therefore, I found this book very lovely and pulling on my heartstrings. Not everything in this book commences to a happy ending, but the message is one of selflessness. Without it being too heavy or dramatic, the author did an amazing job to balance out the heavy subject content with the joy of life and friendship.
I would love for kids here to read this middle-grade book. My only fear is, that many are already too desensitized to the material. Nevertheless, if you are in search of a book with great morals, this would be one to try.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
Martin and his mom live alone after the death of his father. They own a small plot of land, tend to their chickens and sell the eggs locally for income. Martin had to do some growing up in the last two years since his mom is not leaving the house and is still devastated over their loss. She keeps her bedroom and all his father's things locked up, watches movies late into the night and sleeps on the couch. She used to go to work, but not anymore.
Martin is a liked boy in the community. His egg delivery runs are welcome by so many and he saves every bit of coin he receives. In school, he is an average student but excels in math. It was his father that had a brain for numbers, and Martin is following step. Everything in Martin's life is analyzed mathematically. He loves to calculate with exponents and determines different number-combinations to be a certain way.
One afternoon, one of his beloved chickens, Kathleen, is attacked by a neighbor’s dog. Martin goes to investigate and meets the family that owns the dog. This is where he meets Vusi, a homeschooled boy with cancer. The two of them hit it off immediately. Vusi is a strong & bright kid with a love for movies. His doctors have given him a survival rate of 40/60 %. His current treatments are going well and Martin and Vusi decide to make a movie with zombies. Soon, Vusi’s bedroom becomes too small for their action and they begin sneaking out the window many afternoons to shoot their movie at a barn. What they don’t know is, that this barn is simultaneously used as a storehouse by a local criminal group storing their spoils. And, as fate has it, they get tangled up in a much larger and more dangerous plot then they had anticipated!
***
Firstly, I loved the flair of this translated book. It reminds me of my own childhood when kids still played outside and used any and all resources to feed the imagination and play. Secondly, Martin’s and Vusi’s friendship is true and without spoil. I loved this camaraderie and the authenticity of their burdens and their amazing spirits. Therefore, I found this book very lovely and pulling on my heartstrings. Not everything in this book commences to a happy ending, but the message is one of selflessness. Without it being too heavy or dramatic, the author did an amazing job to balance out the heavy subject content with the joy of life and friendship.
I would love for kids here to read this middle-grade book. My only fear is, that many are already too desensitized to the material. Nevertheless, if you are in search of a book with great morals, this would be one to try.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
September 24, 2018
Short story that reminded me of Freak the Mighty. With zombies.
Well, pretend zombies. Clucky (Martin's nickname) sees the world as numbers, and looks after his chickens, selling their eggs, when a neighbour's dog kills one of his birds. With his mum reclusive since the accidental death of his father, he goes round and confronts Vusi, punching him on the nose.
Later making friends, the pair end up making a zombie movie together, and form a close bond.
This is a very short story, but it takes the turns a much longer book might take more time over, but manages to cover the same kind of ground. I enjoyed Clucky, I have a liking for savant-type characters, and unfortunately, he was the best-characterised of the protagonists.
I did think everything seemed a little brief - the friendship and movie-making, a love-interest, Clucky's mum recluse story and that of his father, the plot involving some nefarious local scoundrels. Nothing was really given much depth, all glossed over.
There are moments of emotion, and a good amount of humour from Clucky's narration. I do wish it had been more fleshed-out though.
The readership, because the story is quite short and slight is a little younger than the subject might otherwise warrant, around ages 10-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
Well, pretend zombies. Clucky (Martin's nickname) sees the world as numbers, and looks after his chickens, selling their eggs, when a neighbour's dog kills one of his birds. With his mum reclusive since the accidental death of his father, he goes round and confronts Vusi, punching him on the nose.
Later making friends, the pair end up making a zombie movie together, and form a close bond.
This is a very short story, but it takes the turns a much longer book might take more time over, but manages to cover the same kind of ground. I enjoyed Clucky, I have a liking for savant-type characters, and unfortunately, he was the best-characterised of the protagonists.
I did think everything seemed a little brief - the friendship and movie-making, a love-interest, Clucky's mum recluse story and that of his father, the plot involving some nefarious local scoundrels. Nothing was really given much depth, all glossed over.
There are moments of emotion, and a good amount of humour from Clucky's narration. I do wish it had been more fleshed-out though.
The readership, because the story is quite short and slight is a little younger than the subject might otherwise warrant, around ages 10-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
December 4, 2017
Daar is sekere temas - deesdae kan 'n mens seker van 'meme' praat - wat dikwels in jeugboeke voorkom: 'n gestorwe ouer, 'n ongeneeslike siekte, sosiale probleme soos misdaad, eerste liefde. Ook uit die Afrikaanse boekery vir jong lesers kan 'n mens 'n lang lys opstel. In Jaco Jacobs se hande word dié bekende patrone in 'n nuwe, oorspronklike verhaal ingeweef: 'n groep dertienjariges, Martin Hoender Retief, sy buurman Drikus en Chris (die mooiste meisie in die skool) werk saam om 'n zombiefliek te verfilm met Drikus se videokamera. Martin se pa is twee jaar tevore dood in 'n motorongeluk; nou neem Martin sy toevlug tot syfers en sy hoenders, sy ma was nog nooit weer uit die huis uit nie, en sy suster, wat al studeer, is net geïnteresseerd in haar rowwe diamant van 'n kêrel. Onder die ernstig siek Drikus se aansporing voltooi hulle die film, lê 'n diefstalsindikaat bloot en leer veel van die lewe. Ten spyte van al die erns is daar 'n ligtheid aan die vertelling wat die leser meevoer. Die taalgebruik toon verrassend min Engelse invloed, maar is tog nie oordrewe puriteins nie: dit tintel en lewe. 'n Heerlike lekkerleesboek.
In Jaco Jacobs' hands familiar memes of youth literature - deceased parents, disease and growing up - become renewed when woven into this delightful narrative about a group of thirteen year olds set on making a zombie movie. Despite the heavy themes, the narrative is told simply and deftly - it will surely bring joy to many readers.
In Jaco Jacobs' hands familiar memes of youth literature - deceased parents, disease and growing up - become renewed when woven into this delightful narrative about a group of thirteen year olds set on making a zombie movie. Despite the heavy themes, the narrative is told simply and deftly - it will surely bring joy to many readers.
June 26, 2024
so cutee
but -1 star bc there was a mistake with a math problem 😁 (the mc is supposed to be good w numbers so)
but -1 star bc there was a mistake with a math problem 😁 (the mc is supposed to be good w numbers so)
November 17, 2018
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~
This review will post on my site on 11/21/18
~~~~~
This is a short novel aimed for children ages 9-12 that they will enjoy, especially if they like stories with zombies. (Though these zombies are not real.) This story was just recently translated into English from Afrikaans and there is also a movie I would like to see.
The story takes place in South Africa and features Martin (aka Clucky) who lost his dad a couple of years ago and since then, his mother has not left the house. Martin reminded me of Christopher from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: they both have a love for numbers. There is an incident in A Good Night that deals with a chicken and through this moment Clucky meets Vusi and they become friends. Vusi is determined to make a zombie movie which the boys work secretly at along with a girl, Chris. They have many adventures and make mistakes as they film their movie.
This is a story that deals with tough topics very well: death, grief, and cancer. These issues are handled well where children will not be overcome with emotion, but understand these realities in life. I enjoyed this short novel. I wanted the kids to succeed with their movie and became attached to all our main characters: Clucky, Vusi, and Chris. I liked how everything came together at the end of the novel.
This is a well done novel and I would recommend it. There are also illustrations throughout the novel that help enhance the story. I wish I could have seen the illustrations in color, but my kindle is a paperwhite.
Thank you to Oneworld Publications for granting me a copy via NetGalley.
~~~~~
This review will post on my site on 11/21/18
~~~~~
This is a short novel aimed for children ages 9-12 that they will enjoy, especially if they like stories with zombies. (Though these zombies are not real.) This story was just recently translated into English from Afrikaans and there is also a movie I would like to see.
The story takes place in South Africa and features Martin (aka Clucky) who lost his dad a couple of years ago and since then, his mother has not left the house. Martin reminded me of Christopher from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: they both have a love for numbers. There is an incident in A Good Night that deals with a chicken and through this moment Clucky meets Vusi and they become friends. Vusi is determined to make a zombie movie which the boys work secretly at along with a girl, Chris. They have many adventures and make mistakes as they film their movie.
This is a story that deals with tough topics very well: death, grief, and cancer. These issues are handled well where children will not be overcome with emotion, but understand these realities in life. I enjoyed this short novel. I wanted the kids to succeed with their movie and became attached to all our main characters: Clucky, Vusi, and Chris. I liked how everything came together at the end of the novel.
This is a well done novel and I would recommend it. There are also illustrations throughout the novel that help enhance the story. I wish I could have seen the illustrations in color, but my kindle is a paperwhite.
Thank you to Oneworld Publications for granting me a copy via NetGalley.
May 15, 2024
Een luisterboek van amper twee uur, maar een verhaal waar thematisch ongelooflijk veel in zit. Over een onverwachte vriendschap tussen drie kinderen, een laatste wens en een avontuur dat volgt, maar waar de zombies niet het engste onderdeel zijn.
Maar vooral een boek waar alles op het eerste oog, (ook die zombies) niet zo is als het lijkt, alles is net even mooier. Ontroerend bijzonder.
Maar vooral een boek waar alles op het eerste oog, (ook die zombies) niet zo is als het lijkt, alles is net even mooier. Ontroerend bijzonder.
December 27, 2022
— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: A Good Night for Shooting Zombies
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Jaco Jacobs
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Children's Fiction
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 4th April 2019
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
Martin lost his dad when he was eleven years, seven months and six days old. After that, his sister became distant, his mother became an extremely agoraphobic, and all Martin - also known as Clucky - has for company and solidarity is his chickens. That is, until he punches his neighbour in the face who, incidentally, is also dying of cancer. An unlikely friendship forms and Vusi, Clucky's neighbour, ropes Clucky and his friend, Chris, into shooting a zombie film.
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies has been translated from Afrikaans - and also has a movie adaptation (which I need to see)! - and was published in English on October 11th 2018.
This book is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon - meets the PG rated version of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The narrative is logical, simple, yet sweet. Yet with lots of hard-hitting, relevant topics that plague society today; cancer, losing a parent, different ways of grieving, bullies, et al. My one gripe is that the book is not long enough to properly explore each of these themes, I finished it in around 2/3 hours and it only seems to briefly touch upon all the sadness that expires surrounding these subjects.
Regardless, I really did enjoy this novella. In such a short space of time (and words) it made me laugh, and cry. And whilst I wished the story was longer, I'm not entirely sure my emotional palette could take much more, never mind a child, so it is probably for the best that it is the length it is.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: A Good Night for Shooting Zombies
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Jaco Jacobs
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Children's Fiction
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 4th April 2019
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5
"She said that her husband died ten years ago. That amounts to 3,652 days, if you add two days for leap years. And that amounts to 87,648 hours. How do you survive that many hours when you're as lonely as she is?"
Martin lost his dad when he was eleven years, seven months and six days old. After that, his sister became distant, his mother became an extremely agoraphobic, and all Martin - also known as Clucky - has for company and solidarity is his chickens. That is, until he punches his neighbour in the face who, incidentally, is also dying of cancer. An unlikely friendship forms and Vusi, Clucky's neighbour, ropes Clucky and his friend, Chris, into shooting a zombie film.
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies has been translated from Afrikaans - and also has a movie adaptation (which I need to see)! - and was published in English on October 11th 2018.
This book is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon - meets the PG rated version of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The narrative is logical, simple, yet sweet. Yet with lots of hard-hitting, relevant topics that plague society today; cancer, losing a parent, different ways of grieving, bullies, et al. My one gripe is that the book is not long enough to properly explore each of these themes, I finished it in around 2/3 hours and it only seems to briefly touch upon all the sadness that expires surrounding these subjects.
Regardless, I really did enjoy this novella. In such a short space of time (and words) it made me laugh, and cry. And whilst I wished the story was longer, I'm not entirely sure my emotional palette could take much more, never mind a child, so it is probably for the best that it is the length it is.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
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September 3, 2023Gelukkige getallen: ik had er wel eens van gehoord, maar door Jaco Jacobs heb ik nu een voorbeeldsommetje uitgeschreven. Alhoewel ik me direct daarna afvroeg waarom, want zo moeilijk zijn gelukkige getallen eigenlijk niet te berekenen. Vanaf nu kan ik net als hoofdpersoon Martin even in de bus of tijdens het tandenpoetsen een rekenspelletje met kwadraten doen. Het houdt de hersens lenig.
Geprikkeld door positieve berichten over eerder vertaalde titels van Jaco Jacobs, wilde ik graag ook kennismaken met zijn schrijven. Wat een mooi verhaal heeft Over een zombiefilm… in zich. Eigenlijk wil ik er nu helemaal niet veel meer over kwijt, hoe vervelend het ook klinkt. Het liefst volsta ik met schrijven dat iedereen zelf moet ontdekken hoe de personages zijn (gewoon jong en zichzelf); hoe Jacobs omgaat met zware thematiek als terminaal ziek zijn en rouw (verrassend licht zonder gebeurtenissen te verbloemen); hoe humor klinkt als Martin gewond op de grond ligt (er volgt een uitleg over het optellen van getallen). En ik gun het dat iedereen net als Martin ontdekt dat kippen ‘goed denk-gezelschap’ zijn.
Dit is een boek dat ik op de basisschool graag had gelezen. Je leert eruit dat vriendschappen op diverse manieren bestaan, dat je soms gewoon aan iemand moet vragen welke ziekte hij heeft in plaats van eromheen zwijgen en en passant pik je een paar feitjes over school in Zuid-Afrika en wiskunde op. Het ene moment zit je met een glimlach te lezen vanwege de zombiefilm van Drikus, Martin en Chris en op het einde voel je misschien een traantje opkomen. De auteur bewijst dat je helemaal geen dik boek in handen hoeft te hebben om diverse levensthema’s de revue te laten passeren. Chapeau.
Zo, is het toch gelukt om iets te schrijven. Hopelijk heb jij, lezer die dit boek of auteur niet kent, er iets aan (en ben je straks ook gelukkige getallen aan het berekenen).
Geprikkeld door positieve berichten over eerder vertaalde titels van Jaco Jacobs, wilde ik graag ook kennismaken met zijn schrijven. Wat een mooi verhaal heeft Over een zombiefilm… in zich. Eigenlijk wil ik er nu helemaal niet veel meer over kwijt, hoe vervelend het ook klinkt. Het liefst volsta ik met schrijven dat iedereen zelf moet ontdekken hoe de personages zijn (gewoon jong en zichzelf); hoe Jacobs omgaat met zware thematiek als terminaal ziek zijn en rouw (verrassend licht zonder gebeurtenissen te verbloemen); hoe humor klinkt als Martin gewond op de grond ligt (er volgt een uitleg over het optellen van getallen). En ik gun het dat iedereen net als Martin ontdekt dat kippen ‘goed denk-gezelschap’ zijn.
Dit is een boek dat ik op de basisschool graag had gelezen. Je leert eruit dat vriendschappen op diverse manieren bestaan, dat je soms gewoon aan iemand moet vragen welke ziekte hij heeft in plaats van eromheen zwijgen en en passant pik je een paar feitjes over school in Zuid-Afrika en wiskunde op. Het ene moment zit je met een glimlach te lezen vanwege de zombiefilm van Drikus, Martin en Chris en op het einde voel je misschien een traantje opkomen. De auteur bewijst dat je helemaal geen dik boek in handen hoeft te hebben om diverse levensthema’s de revue te laten passeren. Chapeau.
Zo, is het toch gelukt om iets te schrijven. Hopelijk heb jij, lezer die dit boek of auteur niet kent, er iets aan (en ben je straks ook gelukkige getallen aan het berekenen).
December 21, 2018
After the recent death of his father in a tragic accident, Clucky is lonely and isolated. He cares for the chickens that his dad loved, relentlessly figures math problems which his dad loved, and is sad that his mom (whom his dad loved) is agoraphobic and emotionally separated after this tragedy.
When a neighbor's dog kills Kathleen, a chicken favorite, Clucky goes over to confront Vusi. Things are heated at first, but Clucky finds out that Vusi has cancer. The two realize they both have issues and become friends. Vusi is determined to make a zombie movie and Clucky helps him realize his dream.
Many haphazard, unrelated events occur and the movie production takes on both frightful and wondrous parts. The friendship between the two boys is strengthened through mutual respect.
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies takes on some important issues: cancer, bullies, crime, romance, retribution, grief, depression, and giving back, just to name a few. However, the story was jumbled and not developed enough to make a lasting impression. Characters were superficial. And, sadly, the important message in the novel gets lost.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Jaco Jacobs, and Rock the Boat, an imprint of OneWorldPublications for this copy.
When a neighbor's dog kills Kathleen, a chicken favorite, Clucky goes over to confront Vusi. Things are heated at first, but Clucky finds out that Vusi has cancer. The two realize they both have issues and become friends. Vusi is determined to make a zombie movie and Clucky helps him realize his dream.
Many haphazard, unrelated events occur and the movie production takes on both frightful and wondrous parts. The friendship between the two boys is strengthened through mutual respect.
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies takes on some important issues: cancer, bullies, crime, romance, retribution, grief, depression, and giving back, just to name a few. However, the story was jumbled and not developed enough to make a lasting impression. Characters were superficial. And, sadly, the important message in the novel gets lost.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Jaco Jacobs, and Rock the Boat, an imprint of OneWorldPublications for this copy.
Read
December 30, 2023Een prachtig klein verhaal over de wonderlijke vriendschap die ontstaat tussen drie kinderen: Martin, Drikus en Chris. Drikus heeft terminale kanker én nog een grote wens: het maken van een zombiefilm. Martin besluit hem daarbij te helpen. Er volgt een ontroerend avontuur, waarin thema's zoals vriendschap, rouwverwerking en verdriet op lichtvoetige wijze aan de orde komen. Vertaald vanuit het Zuid-Afrikaans door Tjalling Bos, vanaf 10 jaar en ouder.
We bespreken het boek in aflevering 101 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcast-app of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl...
We bespreken het boek in aflevering 101 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcast-app of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl...
July 27, 2023
Martin houdt heel erg van getallen. Elke keer als hij naar zijn wekker kijkt, rekent hij uit of het een gelukkig getal is. Ook heeft hij de zorg voor de kippen op zich genomen. Als op een dag de hond van de buurjongen een kip heeft gedood, belt hij aan. De eerste ontmoeting met Drikus loopt niet geheel vlekkeloos…
Toch ontstaat er een mooie vriendschap tussen de buurjongens. Drikus wil graag een zombiefilm opnemen. Samen met Martin begint hij gewoon. Op een gegeven moment krijgen ze ook hulp van het mooiste meisje van de school. Maar dan… krijgen ze per ongeluk te maken met een criminele bende…
Dit boek leert kinderen dat niet alles is wat het op het eerste gezicht lijkt. Bijzondere vriendschappen ontstaan in dit verhaal, personages maken een groei mee en er is aandacht voor veel leuke weetjes.
Een bijzonder boek, ben benieuwd naar meer van deze auteur! Bedankt voor dit recensie-exemplaar @ploegsma.
Toch ontstaat er een mooie vriendschap tussen de buurjongens. Drikus wil graag een zombiefilm opnemen. Samen met Martin begint hij gewoon. Op een gegeven moment krijgen ze ook hulp van het mooiste meisje van de school. Maar dan… krijgen ze per ongeluk te maken met een criminele bende…
Dit boek leert kinderen dat niet alles is wat het op het eerste gezicht lijkt. Bijzondere vriendschappen ontstaan in dit verhaal, personages maken een groei mee en er is aandacht voor veel leuke weetjes.
Een bijzonder boek, ben benieuwd naar meer van deze auteur! Bedankt voor dit recensie-exemplaar @ploegsma.
November 12, 2023
Bittersweet middle grade story simply told
Read
December 29, 20233.7*
Read
August 11, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a father in a car accident
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a father in a car accident
October 17, 2023
A Good Night For Shooting Zombies is a fantastic title, although a bit
of a misleading one! It is not a "zombie apocalypse" story but is instead a bittersweet and thought-provoking story about life, loss, and an unlikely friendship that develops - while the characters are finding ways of dealing with grief, solving a mystery, and facing some of life's more difficult challenges.
of a misleading one! It is not a "zombie apocalypse" story but is instead a bittersweet and thought-provoking story about life, loss, and an unlikely friendship that develops - while the characters are finding ways of dealing with grief, solving a mystery, and facing some of life's more difficult challenges.
August 28, 2015
'n Wonderlike jeugboek wat temas soos eerste liefde, siekte en die dood op 'n gemaklike manier hanteer. Ek lees nou en dan kinderboeke wat my kinders spesifiek geniet en is regtig bly dat ek my dogter van 10 se advies geneem het en hierdie boek ook gelees het. Behalwe dat dit vir my ook 'n heerlike leeservaring was het dit my baie insig gegee in hoe kinders rondom siekte en die dood dink en funksioneer. Wat ook insiggewend is is hoe kinders na mekaar kyk en die verskillende faksies wat daar in die kinder gemeenskap heers. Hoe dit voel om miskien effe "anders" te wees of dalk baie gewild te wees. Lees gerus - selfs al is jy n grootmens en veral wanneer jy kinders in die 10 jaar plus ouderdomsgroep het.
March 13, 2019
This one reminded me a lot of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime": the protagonist has the same love of maths, is struggling to deal with the absence of a parent and ultimately ends up solving a mystery. I love the plot, the right mix of everyday life and the various shenanigans of the children trying to shoot their zombie movie. A quirky and engaging cast of characters just round the whole thing off nicely and it's the perfect quick read if you want a bittersweet heartwarming story.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2019
Martin lives life on a plot of land with his mom, Uncle Hendrik and sister Cindy. Martin is a numbers guy, and finds joy by working out number problems in his head. He spends the rest of his time raising the chickens his father left behind when he died in a car accident. When his neighbor's dog eats one of his prize chickens, Martin heads over to confront them with video proof. He meets Vusi, a boy his own age, whom he punches in the nose when Vusi makes a comment about his mother. Unknown to Martin, Vusi is actually a cancer patient. The punch causes an uproar, and soon Martin is back to apologize. This time, he and Vusi become friends and Martin discovers that Vusi has a secret dream to make a movie about zombies.
Together the boys concoct plans to film the movie whenever Vusi is feeling well. Soon they add another actor, Chris, a young girl who lives a few plots away and who's brother owns an old shed perfect for the movie. However, unknown to them, the shed is filled with stolen goods, and soon the bad guys show up to retrieve them. Suddenly, life turns deadly and their dreams of making a movie are brought to an abrupt halt.
My Thoughts-
Okay, first thoughts from the title was that this was going to be a book about zombies, but then I started reading it and realized it is only the type of movie Vusi wants to film. The fun thing is watching the two boys try to make a film with zombie masks, fake blood and no script. Life moves on around them as their movie progresses. Martin and Chris go to school while Vusi lives at home taking his cancer treatments. The way the author writes allows the reader to get a good feel of what their lives are like and the way they live in semi-poverty.
The one thing that makes Martin unique, his math skills, is also kind of annoying. I didn't mind that he liked numbers, but many times in the book he goes into these mathematical funks to find out if a number is a happy number. It was a bit over the top for me.
The ending of this story is so good. There is a logical conclusion that involves everyone in the story and brings things full circle. It was heartwarming and leaves a happy feeling with the reader. I think this book is worth the read and I'm giving it 4 stars!
Together the boys concoct plans to film the movie whenever Vusi is feeling well. Soon they add another actor, Chris, a young girl who lives a few plots away and who's brother owns an old shed perfect for the movie. However, unknown to them, the shed is filled with stolen goods, and soon the bad guys show up to retrieve them. Suddenly, life turns deadly and their dreams of making a movie are brought to an abrupt halt.
My Thoughts-
Okay, first thoughts from the title was that this was going to be a book about zombies, but then I started reading it and realized it is only the type of movie Vusi wants to film. The fun thing is watching the two boys try to make a film with zombie masks, fake blood and no script. Life moves on around them as their movie progresses. Martin and Chris go to school while Vusi lives at home taking his cancer treatments. The way the author writes allows the reader to get a good feel of what their lives are like and the way they live in semi-poverty.
The one thing that makes Martin unique, his math skills, is also kind of annoying. I didn't mind that he liked numbers, but many times in the book he goes into these mathematical funks to find out if a number is a happy number. It was a bit over the top for me.
The ending of this story is so good. There is a logical conclusion that involves everyone in the story and brings things full circle. It was heartwarming and leaves a happy feeling with the reader. I think this book is worth the read and I'm giving it 4 stars!
September 17, 2018
Note: Oneworld Publications allowed me access to the ebook via Netgalley. Thank you!
On with the review...
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies is the sort of book I have a hard time classifying. Clucky is the sort of able narrator who gives just enough humor to temper the difficult things while still being precise enough to not have to ramble on for pages and pages to make his point. However, there were times it feels like the narration is for a younger audience than may be appropriate. Clucky (not his real name, just his nickname because he keeps chickens) is in that transitional moment of his life having just become a teenager trying to find his place in the world. He meets Vusi, the kid next door with a cancer diagnosis that wants to make a zombie flick. The two seem like opposites, but that's part of the charm of their budding friendship.
As this short novel for the middle grade/YA set progresses, the odd couple grow closer while also risking more than they thought just to make Vusi's dream of the zombie film come true. There are surprises here and there that give some depth to the characters. Furthermore, a subplot puts one of them in danger giving the final push of the story a bit of gravity. Personally, I would have liked a bit more from the book as the first person narrative zips along so fast that some events feel a bit lost. Overall, this is a fun book that manages to dig in just enough to be satisfying without over explaining with appeal to a wide range of readers.
On with the review...
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies is the sort of book I have a hard time classifying. Clucky is the sort of able narrator who gives just enough humor to temper the difficult things while still being precise enough to not have to ramble on for pages and pages to make his point. However, there were times it feels like the narration is for a younger audience than may be appropriate. Clucky (not his real name, just his nickname because he keeps chickens) is in that transitional moment of his life having just become a teenager trying to find his place in the world. He meets Vusi, the kid next door with a cancer diagnosis that wants to make a zombie flick. The two seem like opposites, but that's part of the charm of their budding friendship.
As this short novel for the middle grade/YA set progresses, the odd couple grow closer while also risking more than they thought just to make Vusi's dream of the zombie film come true. There are surprises here and there that give some depth to the characters. Furthermore, a subplot puts one of them in danger giving the final push of the story a bit of gravity. Personally, I would have liked a bit more from the book as the first person narrative zips along so fast that some events feel a bit lost. Overall, this is a fun book that manages to dig in just enough to be satisfying without over explaining with appeal to a wide range of readers.
January 25, 2024
" I thought of death as zero. Zero isn’t the end – it’s the middle. It’s halfway between the positive and the negative numbers – on either side of zero are two rows of numbers that extend to infinity, far enough to make you dizzy with excitement."
For a book that deals with death, one that's impending and another that's already occured even as the book begins, this short read is life affirming. As a book meant for young readers, it has light and fun moments but the underlying messages are strong, essential and uplifting. Loved Vusi's spirit and Clucky's kindness and their friendship that has an odd start, with Clucky's punch on Vusi's nose.
These zombies are not that scary after all!
A lovely read that can be finished in a single sitting, with a bonus that it is a book translated from Afrikaan. This is the first translation from the language I am reading, so a worthy addition to my read list that way.
For a book that deals with death, one that's impending and another that's already occured even as the book begins, this short read is life affirming. As a book meant for young readers, it has light and fun moments but the underlying messages are strong, essential and uplifting. Loved Vusi's spirit and Clucky's kindness and their friendship that has an odd start, with Clucky's punch on Vusi's nose.
These zombies are not that scary after all!
A lovely read that can be finished in a single sitting, with a bonus that it is a book translated from Afrikaan. This is the first translation from the language I am reading, so a worthy addition to my read list that way.
July 23, 2024
Om zoveel redenen heel goed. De setting ten eerste. Ik denk Zuid Afrika. Ten tweede de hoofdpersonen. Fijne wiskundeknobbel en behoorlijk diepgaande interesse in getallen maar niet zo dat je denkt ja ja je bent heel bijzonder hoor. Best wel realistisch juist. Ten derde omdat er ook stomme dingen gebeuren. Zoals het leven is. Ten vierde omdat ik moest huilen. Of is dat dezelfde reden? Ten vijfde de kippen. Ten zesde de gelukkige getallen. Dat gaat zo. Je vermenigvuldigt alle getallen in een getal met zichzelf, telt de uitkomsten op en doet hetzelfde met dat getal. Als er uiteindelijk 1 uitkomt is het een gelukkig getal.
Vijf sterren! Maar vijf is dus helaas geen gelukkig getal dan weer. Toch jammer. Hopelijk komt het boek in de GVP top 100, zal de plek een gelukkig getal zijn?
Vijf sterren! Maar vijf is dus helaas geen gelukkig getal dan weer. Toch jammer. Hopelijk komt het boek in de GVP top 100, zal de plek een gelukkig getal zijn?
December 3, 2017
Ek het 'n ruk gelede op hierdie skrywer se kinderboeke afgekom toe ek moderne Afrikaanse leesboeke vir my kinders begin soek het. Ons geniet sy boeke vir jonger kinders en hierdie een het ek vir my eie leesplesier by die biblioteek uitgeneem.
Ernstige temas soos die dood, kanker en groepsdruk as jy nie heeltemal deel is van die "in"-groep nie word deur die skrywer op hanteer in a formaat wat humor en menslikheid kombineer. Mal hieroor en sal meer van sy boeke vir my eie plesier soek.
Meer inligting oor die skrywer is hier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaco_Ja... en hier http://www.jacojacobs.co.za/ beskikbaar.
Ernstige temas soos die dood, kanker en groepsdruk as jy nie heeltemal deel is van die "in"-groep nie word deur die skrywer op hanteer in a formaat wat humor en menslikheid kombineer. Mal hieroor en sal meer van sy boeke vir my eie plesier soek.
Meer inligting oor die skrywer is hier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaco_Ja... en hier http://www.jacojacobs.co.za/ beskikbaar.
February 26, 2019
A Good Night for Shooting Zombies
By Jaco Jacobs
2018 (English translation)
An Early Reviewers book.
In this fast-paced novel for young teens, a small tragedy brings together a boy grieving the death of his father - Clucky - and a boy with terminal cancer - Vusi. Becoming quick friends, the two teens endeavor to make a zombie movie while Vusi is feeling well enough to take part. Friendships are made, mysteries are uncovered, and truths are unveiled.
Told from the point of view of Clucky, the book handles emotion with a light, but serious touch. This book should appeal to many children who feel like they are the odd kid in school.
3.5 stars.
By Jaco Jacobs
2018 (English translation)
An Early Reviewers book.
In this fast-paced novel for young teens, a small tragedy brings together a boy grieving the death of his father - Clucky - and a boy with terminal cancer - Vusi. Becoming quick friends, the two teens endeavor to make a zombie movie while Vusi is feeling well enough to take part. Friendships are made, mysteries are uncovered, and truths are unveiled.
Told from the point of view of Clucky, the book handles emotion with a light, but serious touch. This book should appeal to many children who feel like they are the odd kid in school.
3.5 stars.
October 17, 2018
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. A very sweet natured book aimed at teens and pre teens, it was a nice quick read. Set in South Africa, Clucky befriends his neighbour Vusi who is dying of Hodgkins disease. Vusi has a dream of making a zombie movie and Clucky helps him along the way. It is a book about friendship and doing the right thing. A book about teenage adventure, making memories and ignoring your parents wishes along the way!
I loved the ending when the whole community comes together and I loved the little illustrations as well. There are a lot of good elements in the book that could have been explored further. At only 160 pages, things move quickly and I would have liked more depth, especially the friendship between Clucky and Vusi.
I loved the ending when the whole community comes together and I loved the little illustrations as well. There are a lot of good elements in the book that could have been explored further. At only 160 pages, things move quickly and I would have liked more depth, especially the friendship between Clucky and Vusi.
January 2, 2019
Great little children’s book. Deals with some big issues with a featherlight touch, sets a cracking pace and has endearing quirky characters. As a Maths teacher, I particularly enjoyed Clucky’s mild number obsession and this is a book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to some of the children that I teach.
January 4, 2025
Klassieke Jaco Jacobs. Maklike lees. Ek hou van hoe hy moeilike omstandighede deel maak van die elke dag, want dit is hoe die lewe is vir gewone mense. Die einde was egter vir my bietjie gejaagd, sou miskien meer van die paadjie saam met die twee aan die einde wou stap. My 11jarige het dit verslind en lekker saam gelag en gehuil.
September 5, 2025
the simple story but nice writing. i enjoy every path of story. but this book is not about attack zombies in your village 😁
the writer describes every moment of the story with surprise.
i love this story so much 😍
the writer describes every moment of the story with surprise.
i love this story so much 😍
September 21, 2018
Sweet and quirky - but too, I think, superficial for me to fully get into
October 10, 2018
Originally written in Afrikaans, Jaco Jacobs middle-grade novel has been translated into English for this new release from OneWorld.
The book follows Martin or Clucky as he prefers to be known who has recently lost his father; since then his mother has stopped leaving the house and he's been left in charge of his father's chickens. When a neighbour's dog kills chicken Kathleen he goes round to confront them about it. There he meets Vusi who spends most of his days at home being treated for cancer. They discover a shared love of zombie films and set.out to make their own much to the discomfort of Vusi's very concerned parents.
This is a lot of fun and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone after a book for any children in their lives, its full of imagination but at the same time it doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as death and disease. The cover is also really well done and the book has illustrations throughout.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Martin or Clucky as he prefers to be known who has recently lost his father; since then his mother has stopped leaving the house and he's been left in charge of his father's chickens. When a neighbour's dog kills chicken Kathleen he goes round to confront them about it. There he meets Vusi who spends most of his days at home being treated for cancer. They discover a shared love of zombie films and set.out to make their own much to the discomfort of Vusi's very concerned parents.
This is a lot of fun and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone after a book for any children in their lives, its full of imagination but at the same time it doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as death and disease. The cover is also really well done and the book has illustrations throughout.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
3.5 stars
I can't say much right now, but boy did this book make me feel a lot of emotions.
I can't say much right now, but boy did this book make me feel a lot of emotions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews