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Project Z #1
A Zombie Ate My Homework
Arnold Z. Ombee has escaped a secret government zombie project -- but now can he survive human elementary school?
From the hilarious mind behind the Crimebiters series comes a new trilogy that fans of The Last Kids on Earth will love to pieces (literally).
Arnold Z. Ombee has escaped a secret government lab that's developing zombies. Young, scared, and alone, he is found by the Kinders, a warmhearted couple who take him in.
The Kinders decide Arnold will become part of their family. They help him disguise his undead appearance and teach him how to act like a human boy. After a lot of practice, he's ready for the ultimate test:
Fifth grade!
From the hilarious mind behind the Crimebiters series comes a new trilogy that fans of The Last Kids on Earth will love to pieces (literally).
Arnold Z. Ombee has escaped a secret government lab that's developing zombies. Young, scared, and alone, he is found by the Kinders, a warmhearted couple who take him in.
The Kinders decide Arnold will become part of their family. They help him disguise his undead appearance and teach him how to act like a human boy. After a lot of practice, he's ready for the ultimate test:
Fifth grade!
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2019
20 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Greenwald
43 books188 followersTommy Greenwald's book GAME CHANGER has been named an Amazon Best Book Of The Month, a 2019 YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection. Tommy is also the author of the CRIMEBITERS, CHARLIE JOE JACKSON and PROJECT Z series, among many other books for children.
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
Day-job-wise, Tommy is the Co-Founder of Spotco Advertising, an entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the lyricist and co-bookwriter of JOHN & JEN, an off-Broadway musical.
To read woefully outdated information about Tommy, visit tommygreenwald.com. (To send an email telling him how much you liked whatever book it was that you just read, holla at tommy@tommygreenwald.com.)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 4, 2019
A zombie boy escapes and find a sweet family who takes him under their wings. This was a delightful read with plenty of secrets being revealed, a zombie who has to live with humans and survive school and eat tons of jellybeans, friendship and being different, the ending was fabulous though a bit weird at points, Lester turned to be a nice character and I am happy Sarah also got some spotlight. There also illustrations big and small though I wasn't a big fan of the constantly repeating small illustrations. I loved finding out about the zombie project and can't wait to see more about it in the next book. Yes I will be getting that one soon.
September 17, 2021
This story is boring and full of cliches but the characters were interesting enough to force me to finish. 2.5 stars
September 18, 2019
My name is Norbus, but my new moniker is Arnold Z. Ombee. I'm a zombie, and I conceptualized the name myself. Oops, Lester told me to stop using big words if I'm going to fit in at school. Don't worry about me eating your brains, since there would be terrible consequences if I eat anything but jelly beans. My "uncle" Bill Kinder says we can't let the people from the Territory know where I am, since I escaped from their human regeneration program. He figures it's best if I act like a normal fifth grader. We've come up with stories to explain my pale skin and other differences, but some of the kids have let their imaginations get carried away. I trust the Bender family, but I'm worried that my presence has put them in danger.
I was very surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. I expected a silly story about a zombie boy, but the author added some depth to the plot. Arnold (Norbus) was a harmless, kind zombie and only wanted to fit in. He was physically, mentally, and emotionally different from the other kids at school, and he did all he could to be accepted. Readers should easily embrace him and identify with his character. One of his two best friends suffered from childhood leukemia and had a leg amputated. Arnold was drawn to him, and their friendship became a key element in the story. Luckily, his other best friend was accepted by most of the other students, so she helped buffer some of the teasing. The book really displayed how people from different backgrounds can be misunderstood but still accepted for their character. The most important aspect of the book was Arnold's moral code. Imagine someone saying that about a zombie! He was trusting, he was honest, and he had empathy for other characters. Arnold didn't want to hurt anyone else and always wanted to do the right thing. The story would have turned out much differently if he'd displayed different values. I'm not sure what to expect in the book's sequel, Zombies are People, Too, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
I was very surprised that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. I expected a silly story about a zombie boy, but the author added some depth to the plot. Arnold (Norbus) was a harmless, kind zombie and only wanted to fit in. He was physically, mentally, and emotionally different from the other kids at school, and he did all he could to be accepted. Readers should easily embrace him and identify with his character. One of his two best friends suffered from childhood leukemia and had a leg amputated. Arnold was drawn to him, and their friendship became a key element in the story. Luckily, his other best friend was accepted by most of the other students, so she helped buffer some of the teasing. The book really displayed how people from different backgrounds can be misunderstood but still accepted for their character. The most important aspect of the book was Arnold's moral code. Imagine someone saying that about a zombie! He was trusting, he was honest, and he had empathy for other characters. Arnold didn't want to hurt anyone else and always wanted to do the right thing. The story would have turned out much differently if he'd displayed different values. I'm not sure what to expect in the book's sequel, Zombies are People, Too, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
June 28, 2021
Title: Project Z: A Zombie Ate my Homework
Author: Tom Greenwald
Lexile: 560L
Pages: 223 pages
Recommendations and Comments:
Norbus Clacknozzle is the new kid in town. But it hard not to draw attention when he looks like the undead--which is, as a matter of fact, what he is. Hiding from military officials after escaping from a secret lab, zombie boy gets taken in by a welcoming family, undergoes a new alias, Arnold Z. Ombee, and attends school like a normal kid. But being the new kid in the 5th grade is tough, especially when you look different. Despite getting picked on by his unusual appearance, Arnold makes some friends who accepts him for who he is (or thinks he is) and obtains a normal life with his new family as much as possible.
A witty, fun, youthful sci-fi adventure of a zombie boy is just what the doctor ordered. This book was packed with plenty of humor and suspense. The illustrations were appropriate for the mood and tone of the book as well. The main character’s narration is compelling and interpersonal, as well as humorous. Readers will get a feel of the character’s emotions and point of views. Those who love sci-fi, comedy, and especially zombies will sure get a kick out of this book.
Reviewed by Miss Salimah
Author: Tom Greenwald
Lexile: 560L
Pages: 223 pages
Recommendations and Comments:
Norbus Clacknozzle is the new kid in town. But it hard not to draw attention when he looks like the undead--which is, as a matter of fact, what he is. Hiding from military officials after escaping from a secret lab, zombie boy gets taken in by a welcoming family, undergoes a new alias, Arnold Z. Ombee, and attends school like a normal kid. But being the new kid in the 5th grade is tough, especially when you look different. Despite getting picked on by his unusual appearance, Arnold makes some friends who accepts him for who he is (or thinks he is) and obtains a normal life with his new family as much as possible.
A witty, fun, youthful sci-fi adventure of a zombie boy is just what the doctor ordered. This book was packed with plenty of humor and suspense. The illustrations were appropriate for the mood and tone of the book as well. The main character’s narration is compelling and interpersonal, as well as humorous. Readers will get a feel of the character’s emotions and point of views. Those who love sci-fi, comedy, and especially zombies will sure get a kick out of this book.
Reviewed by Miss Salimah
September 7, 2023
Slow going. Halfway through and still no sense of real progression just one cliched school day after another. Lacks that clear want and goal that the protagonist goes after.
Maybe if he were actively trying to avoid being caught by the government it would be more exciting? The fact that the protagonist is mostly passive doesn’t make for a compelling read. Maybe the story would have been better served with a different pov MC like a friend trying to keep the secret and help newbie fit in?
Some characters and how they react (like the adopting family and the nurse) feel so off and forced just to get the plot going.
DNF.
Giving 1.5 stars because at a writing level it isn’t horrible but at a story level it is terribly lacking.
Maybe if he were actively trying to avoid being caught by the government it would be more exciting? The fact that the protagonist is mostly passive doesn’t make for a compelling read. Maybe the story would have been better served with a different pov MC like a friend trying to keep the secret and help newbie fit in?
Some characters and how they react (like the adopting family and the nurse) feel so off and forced just to get the plot going.
DNF.
Giving 1.5 stars because at a writing level it isn’t horrible but at a story level it is terribly lacking.
May 13, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the idea of the story, but felt it could have been developed better. I don't know if in sequels the whole memory of Norbus will be explored or not, but that is one question I have lingering. How did the zombies get developed? Was he a real kid at one point? Did he die? Are the other zombies kids? Are any adults? I liked the acceptance of "Arnold" by the two kids and how we all have differences (leg missing from cancer, etc.) I like how the town at the end began to rally around Norbus and I liked the character of Sarah Anne. I just wished the story had a little more details to it, but like I said, maybe that is coming.... I hope.
January 20, 2022
So Elijah is doing battle of the books this year and I’m letting him choose the books. I’ll be honest I was not excited about reading this with him. However, I enjoyed it. The 5th grade characters were quirky and cute. The book really focused on outcasts and the importance of having at least one friend. Boy isn’t that the truth. I love getting to read books with Elijah. Hey he branches me out of my comfort zone as well.
March 21, 2019
Great all-ages zombie book with just enough grossness. Scholastic, what’s with the random zombie-themed clip art! Don’t let my boy Tommy down by not getting enough original art! Loved the illustrations just not the repeated images of jellybeans and bookbags at random moments! Love that the zombie had heart and it was more than just a fish out of water story!
December 17, 2019
Mostly enjoyed this story for its laughs and re-imagining of what zombies are. Readers will definitely relate to the first-days-at-school awkwardness and struggling to fit in, which is especially difficult when your trying to hide the fact that you're a zombie. (Strong family theme. Acknowledges people's differences and advocates their acceptance.)
September 7, 2023
Read this one because my 11 year old son said it's his favorite book. It was a decent story with interesting characters, lots of goofy little details that kids would enjoy, like the fact that zombies can only eat jelly beans. Super corny ending that forced me to knock the rating down a couple stars.
November 3, 2020
Cute and fun. An interesting take on zombies. I liked that it brought in a variety of characters including a girl with autism. I didn’t find the premise of the government creating zombies to unite everyone against a common enemy very believable, but it was a fun story.
May 16, 2021
Read this book out loud with my kids today while riding in the car... not my personal favorite, but they loved it! A silly illustrated chapter book on the 2022 Bluestem list, perfect for ages 9 and up.
Read
June 15, 2021Cute book, that has a message of tolerance and acceptance.- that is what I was feeling. Arnold is a young Zombie who as escaped from a government facility - he is found by the Kinder family who is living up to their name. Good story and message.
October 13, 2019
Great book! I rated it 4 stars because you could paraphrase some of the sentences, 'cause i'm not the"#ILikeBooksThatAreLongAndNotParaphrased!",type of guy, no offense. Still, great book!
December 18, 2020
Disney Channel vibe. Tough to swallow the stupidity of some of the parts. Started out more promising than it ended up being.
May 14, 2021
It's very enjoyable for younger readers, (2nd-4th) I'm in 5th grade but I really liked it a lot!
July 4, 2021
It has a good message about acceptance, but it gets bogged down by how cheesy it is.
September 14, 2021
Fun book that appealed to both my boys (9 & 11) and promoted tolerance and acceptance for those that are different than us.
February 21, 2022
Buddy read with H.
This was so fun, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This was so fun, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 25, 2023
I loved it. I thought that the plot of the story was very good and the conflict was very good. The author was very descreptive.
February 13, 2023
A kid that’s actually a zombie is taken in by this family who turns out that they were the ones who developed him in a lab. He is taken to school and is learning how to live properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2019
Really enjoyed Project Z (A Zombie Ate My Homework) by Tommy Greenwald! Super fun, fast read, and all-around enjoyable. Poor Norbus Clacknozzle--it's not his fault he was born, well re-born, a zombie. He's just a kid and after escaping from a top-secret government facility, he just wants to fit in. Rescued by the Kinder family, Norbus tries to adjust to live among humans, including going to school. He has a new name, contacts to hide his zombie eyes, and a list of reasons why he can't do normal things like play in the sunshine.
It's a quirky, often funny story, but one that touches on a lot of issues kids deal with daily. From bullies to physical differences, fitting in can be hard--whether you're the new (zombie) kid or have been going to the school your entire life.
I definitely recommend for middle grade readers of all ages, and adults will enjoy it as well.
It's a quirky, often funny story, but one that touches on a lot of issues kids deal with daily. From bullies to physical differences, fitting in can be hard--whether you're the new (zombie) kid or have been going to the school your entire life.
I definitely recommend for middle grade readers of all ages, and adults will enjoy it as well.
March 9, 2023
This is a very good book especially for the people that like mystery and suspenseful books. And you can learn about friendship in this since the main character has some really good friends who support him. It is also a good book if you don't know what to read and want to try a comedy and mystery book
December 13, 2019
Norbus Clacknozzle is a zombie. The story gives us an inside look at how zombies are really not so different from the rest of us....good fifth grade level story about accepting people that don’t look or act exactly the same as we do.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews