Undead Ed and the Fingers of Doom

A parent would reach for this book when their middle-grade child feels like an outsider or is struggling with the awkward, often messy physical transitions of growing up. While the story is wrapped in a comedic zombie shell, it speaks directly to the experience of feeling out of place in one's own skin. It provides a safe, humorous space to explore themes of resilience and the importance of having friends who accept you, flaws and all. Ed is a zombie whose body is literally falling apart, specifically his fingers, which have a mind of their own. His quest to visit the underworld and break a curse serves as a metaphor for taking accountability for one's own problems. Parents will appreciate the way Ed navigates his 'monstrous' identity with courage and wit. It is a lighthearted, spooky adventure that normalizes the 'ick' factor of being a kid while reinforcing the value of loyalty and perseverance.