My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie (Quality))
Grade 3–6—Fifth-grader Nathan Abercrombie has more problems than just being unathletic and unpopular. After a particularly grueling day, he is convinced by outcast Abigail to try a new remedy developed by her scientist uncle called Hurt-Be-Gone, which kills emotions. When Nathan is inadvertently doused in the substance, he becomes partially dead. He no longer needs to eat, breathe, or sleep, and he doesn't feel any pain. With Abigail's uncle on the lam from the police, Nathan has only Abigail and his friend Mookie to restore him back to life before the remedy takes full effect, making him permanently dead. The first book in a promising new series introduces likable characters beset by unusual but humorous circumstances. The gross-out factor—Nathan gets a fork jammed through his nose, loses a thumb, and pulls off a little finger—will appeal to reluctant readers. This book will have a large following.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NYEND--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.