Better Off Undead

After becoming undead, a boy tries to survive middle school in this quirky, smart adventure for middle grade readers from James Preller.

Adrian Lazarus has met with a curious fate. He’s returned from the dead (after a bad bike accident, no helmet), yet not a lot has changed. He’s always been an outcast.

But it’s not just being a zombie that makes Adrian feel different. He notices the world has changed, too: bees are vanishing, forest fires are burning, super-flus are spreading. The holographic advertisements in the night sky assure people that all is well. Adrian and his friends—a beekeeping boy, a mysterious new girl, and a seventh-grade sleuth—aren’t so sure.

When they discover a birdlike drone has been spying on Adrian, the clues lead two powerful corporate moguls. What do they really want? Find out in Better Off Undead, a smart and funny middle-grade novel that brings together environmental concerns, sci-fi elements, and the supernatural.

This title has Common Core connections.

Praise for Better Off Undead:

“This uproarious middle grade call to action has considerable kid appeal and a timely message.” —School Library Journal

“Against a near-future backdrop, Preller thoughtfully chronicles the anxieties of middle school, using a blend of comedy and horror to send a message of empowerment and self-acceptance.” —Publishers Weekly

“Adrian may be undead, but this is much more than a zombie tale, as it touches upon cultural issues, media control, family bonds, and environmental issues. Fans of Carl Hiassen’s Hoot will be as satisfied by this as will fans of monster books or those who appreciate stories of outcasts and coming-of-age stories. Highly recommended.” —Children’s Literature

More fast-paced adventure from James Preller:
The Courage Test
The Fall

The Scary Tales series:
Home Sweet Horror
I Scream, You Scream!
Good Night, Zombie
Nightmareland
One-Eyed Doll
Swamp Monster

The Jigsaw Jones Mysteries:
The Case of the Smelly Sneaker
The Case of the Mummy Mystery
The Case of the Glow in the Dark Ghost
The Case of the Bicycle Bandit
The Case from Outer Space
The Case of the Best Pet Ever
The Case of the Buried Treasure
The Case of the Million-Dollar Mystery
The Case of the Disappearing Dinosaur

Author Biography

James Preller is the author of numerous books, including the acclaimed novels The Courage Test, The Fall, Bystander, and Six Innings, and the Scary Tales series and Jigsaw Jones Mysteries. He travels throughout the country visiting schools and book festivals. He lives in Delmar, New York, with his wife and their children.