Families who loved Sick by Tom Leveen often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating complex social dynamics or feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to fit in and needs a high-stakes metaphor for standing up for others. It is an intense, fast-paced survival horror novel set in a Phoenix high school. When a viral outbreak turns students into aggressive, zombie-like creatures, a group of theater kids and social outcasts must band together to stay alive. Beyond the scares, the story explores deep themes of loyalty, the burden of leadership, and finding the courage to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Due to significant graphic violence and intense peril, this is strictly for mature teens who enjoy gritty, action-oriented fiction. It serves as a visceral exploration of character under extreme pressure, making it a great choice for readers who appreciate stories where survival depends on teamwork rather than individual heroics.