About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like their unique perspective or interests make them an outsider. This story is a powerful validation for kids who feel misunderstood by peers and even family, using a spooky, supernatural lens to explore the very real experience of isolation. Norman Babcock is an eleven-year-old who can talk to the dead, a gift that earns him nothing but ridicule in his small town until a centuries-old curse threatens everyone. While the plot involves zombies and ghosts, the heart of the book lies in Norman's journey toward self-acceptance and the realization that his 'weirdness' is actually his greatest strength. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a blend of humor, chills, and deep emotional resonance, particularly those navigating the social complexities of upper elementary or middle school. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful handling of empathy and the nuanced portrayal of a father-son relationship strained by fear and misunderstanding.
