My Undead Life: Really Rotten Drama

Written by: Emma T. Graves

Illustrated by: Ellie O’Shea (Binny Boo)

For ages: 8-12 years

Language: English

Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Zombies, Growing Up, Family, Friendship. 

Summary: 

I really enjoyed this book!  It’s the second in the series, but there was a quick recap of the first book at the beginning.

What really drew me into this book was a double-hit of a POC main character, and a plot that allowed girls to be gross.  Think about it, when are girls actively encouraged to be gross and disgusting?  Behold, an entire series about a zombie girl that’s rotting from the inside out and described very creatively (and stinkily)! Tulah is a middle-school zombie, and she’s trying to keep it a secret.  Along with this big smelly secret, Tulah has the regular drama to deal with like best friends and kisses with boys (in the school play)!

This is a quick read that is interspersed with a few comic panels, which is a really unique layout that I enjoyed.  It has some typical YA/middle grade story tropes of BFF arguments and crushes but I really liked the gross twist of Tulah being a zombie, and can’t wait to read more!

About the Author & Illustrator:

Emma T. Graves has authored more than 90 books for children, and has written about characters both living and dead. When she’s not writing, Emma enjoys watching classic horror movies, taking long walks in the nearby cemetery, and storing up food in her cellar. She is prepared for the zombie apocalypse.

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Ellie, a coffee addict, an avid snowboarder and bad joke-teller. Completed her degree in Illustration in Plymouth and now living in Worcester with her (equally bad joke-telling) boyfriend. They both love lazy Sundays watching cartoons all day, Ellie‘s biggest inspiration for drawing! She has always loved watching cartoons and when was around 8 she decided, “Hey, I want to draw like that!” So she picked up her pencil, and here we are. Ellie loves writing and illustrating children’s books. Starting with scribbles before drawing and colouring up in Illustrator and Photoshop. When she‘s not doodling or drinking coffee, you will usually find her shopping for makeup, binge-watching cartoons or watching pug videos on Youtube.

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