Generation Dead: Kiss of Life (A Generation Dead Novel)
Grade 8–10—As this sequel toGeneration Dead(Hyperion, 2008) opens, Adam is just beginning to "regenerate" after diving in front of Phoebe, the girl he always loved, when she was going to take a bullet aimed at her currently undead boyfriend. He is having a difficult time gaining control of his speech and movements, while Phoebe is under the impression that a kiss from a "beating heart" who truly loves him can help speed the process. The story then reveals a whole zombie activist movement, as well as an anti-zombie conspiracy. Taken on a superficial level, the story is an action-packed romp through the zombie subculture, including such products as "Z, the body spray for the active undead male." Taken at a more cerebral level, the novel comments on societal attitudes toward race, disability, and sexual orientation. It could also spark conversation about the afterlife as it raises a disturbing question: If there really is a God, has he turned the zombie kids away? The book is supported by an amazingly well-maintained Web site, but its downfall is that it bites off more than readers can chew. There are too many characters, too many subplots, and too many switches in perspective.Kiss of Lifeclearly screams for a sequel—if not two or three. With so much going on, it is easy to lose track of which character is which, never mind who is dead or undead. That being said, it's a must-buy if the first title is popular.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, ILEND