Nommy the Zombie Boy (Monster Children Book 1) by Nathalie Laurings

This humorous zombie adventure introduces 11-year-old Aiden, who discovers that surviving the XR-30 virus means facing middle school while gradually turning undead. The twist comes when he realizes he's not like other zombies—he doesn't crave brains, at least not yet—creating an unexpected identity crisis that blends classic monster tropes with the very real challenges of growing up different. Young readers will find plenty of gross-out moments and suspense as Aiden navigates his strange new reality while trying to maintain his humanity. The story cleverly balances genuine scares with laugh-out-loud situations that keep the tone appropriately light for the middle grade audience.

What makes this monster tale particularly engaging is its focus on friendship and resilience through 12-year-old James, who represents the human perspective in this post-virus world. The dual narrative allows readers to experience both sides of the zombie apocalypse while exploring themes of acceptance and adaptation. Children who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and characters overcoming extraordinary circumstances will find much to appreciate here. This zombie adventure delivers both entertainment and emotional depth, making it an excellent choice for reluctant readers seeking action-packed stories with heart.