Dugout: the zombie steals home by Scott Morse. 254 p. Graphix/ Scholastic Inc., June, 2019. 9781338188097. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)
Middle Grade Monday features Dugout: the zombie steals home by Scott Morse. Twins Gina and and Stacy share a love of baseball and their grandmother, who is raising them, but little else. Not only do they constantly fight at home, but they are both pitchers on rival baseball teams. Gina's an ace and Stacy's team can't catch a break. The two come from a long line of witches but aren't yet trained. That doesn't stop Gina from putting a spell on Stacy's mitt. Stacy and her team are practicing in a clearing in the woods, when a zombie bursts from the mound Stacy's pitching from. He's utterly terrifying; but changes when one of the kids bean him with their baseball. It seems there's a connection between the zombie and baseball.
This delightfully inventive story is fast-paced, humorous and fun! The art was great too. I just loved the jewel-toned palette, panel layout and dialogue. My fifth grade graphic novel fans are going to go gaga over this.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland. Unabridged e-audiobook, 10 hours. Narrated by Bahni Turpin. HarperAudio, April, 2018. 9780062822956. (Review of e-audiobook borrowed from public library.)
Now, I don't like horror in general and zombie stories in particular. Except when I do. I force myself to read it because I have students who love horror. When I do read horror, it's usually been well-reviewed. I'd been hearing a lot about this one so when it popped up on the "new" list of audiobooks on Libby, I gave it a try. Bonus points for Bahni Turpin narrating.
I will try to give a synopsis of this alternate history/ zombie mash-up; but I won't do justice to the world that Ireland has built. Zombies rise during the battle of Gettysburg derailing the efforts to abolish slavery. We don't know much about Jane McKeene except she's a crack zombie fighter training to become an elite attendant who will protect Baltimore's wealthy, white elite from zombie attacks. Plans go awry and Jane, her nemesis and her ex are shipped out west.
I loved Jane's voice from the start, smart and sarcastic, brash and bold. Of course she gets in trouble thanks to her mouth! The story is fast-paced and suspenseful. Events are totally believable! There are a fair number of social parallels to today as well. I was unaware that this is the first of a duology and cannot wait for the next installment.
As usual, Bahni Turpin turned in another flawless performance.
