Zak vs. Zombies

by Elisa Eliot, Blur Frame Studio (illustrator)

Zak vs. Zombies is the story of a cellphone-less boy in a cellphone-crazed world. When a strange, techno-fied virus spreads through the town via cellphone calls and texts turning everyone into mumbling, stumbling, drooling zombies, Zak and a handful of kids from his class must come together despite their differences and embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save their town (and possibly the world) from the digital Zombie apocalypse!

244 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliot is a genius!! My family and I absolutely adored this book. It is beyond fun and funny. It is also a page turner, and we just could not put it down. While it is the perfect book for a budding reader, it is also a great choice for the whole family! The characters are brilliant and the illustrations bring them to life. It is rare to find a book that we want to read again and again!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a BLAST! It is such a clever and hilarious read. Finally a book that keeps energetic kids entertained (which is not an easy task)! We really felt like we got to know each character so well and never wanted to put it down. It was such a treat, and we really loved every minute of this action-packed heartwarming comedic graphic novel. Cannot say enough good things!

[Lora Cicconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ZAK VS. ZOMBIES is a perfect book for middle grade readers who are ready for some action and important lessons, but still want to have fun and be kids. There is plenty of excitement and adventure, but also a message that we all need to hear about the key relationships in our lives.

[Shannon Sonnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your 8-12 year old is into the book and TV series The Last Kids On Earth, they are going to LOVE you for introducing them to Zak and his friends. No TV series for Zak yet, but Netflix, if you are listening, it's time for you to ENTER THE CHAT! While this graphic novel has some of the same tropes in all middle school and zombie books (kids from different backgrounds/ groups overcoming their differences and working together/ and, well...zombies lol), Zak Vs. Zombies is ANYTHING but your typical upper elementary/ middle school graphic novel. This novel is 100% engaging and binge worthy (like, "stay up all night on a school night to find out what happens even though getting up in the morning will suck" binge worthy) without the typical violence, overly rude humor, and over-sexualization that authors and publishers seem to think is necessary to keep kid's attention nowadays. The author is brilliant with using humor, subtle sarcasm, and pairing her story with the captivating illustrations to make this story impossible to put down. I honestly think that adults will get a kick out of the storyline as well- I know that I did! I can see this book (series...?) becoming the next big thing...

[Natalie Nordlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond being an incredibly fun read that you can’t put down, this graphic novel sends important messages to kids in subtle ways—that people who are very different from each other can still work together as a great team and even become friends, that kids are fully capable of finding solutions and making change, and that life is filled with opportunities, moments, fun, and adventure we just might miss if we don’t look up and take time away from our devices—and we might also potentially become zombies.

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see a sequel, the NPhone that turns everyone into nerds, in the author's future. This book is hilarious, and scary, since it hits so close to home. The illustrations really drive the story. I love the character that stays in renaissance character the whole time, no matter the zombie phone-pocalypse!

[Beth K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is outstanding for young readers and adults alike! Elisa Eliot is a superb story teller who has crafted a thrilling and fun adventure. The combination of relatable characters, who communicate important life lessons, and the fantastic illustrations make this a captivating read for everyone!

[Stuart Yudofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could, I would have rated Zak vs. Zombies ten stars--five-stars from my ten-year-old granddaughter and five stars from me. We read the book together before bedtime and enjoyed every word. Elisa Eliot is a master story teller, who kept us on the edge of her bed as we tried to solve the mystery, while being surprised, entertained and delighted with every turn of the page.

[K.C. Wayland · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son loves this book! He’s already wearing out the pages. This was his first graphic novel and he’s already reading another! It’s hard for him to pick up new books, but he really loved this one and the characters. It has a good theme and looking forward to the next installment!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tucking my daughter in and she is reading what other than Zak vs Zombies again
I asked “how many times have you read this book” she said “this is my fourth time”. Thank you for providing the kiddos a great book!

[Daniel Nord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, smart, and keeps my kids off their devices. This is great - I hope she makes more!!

[Jennifer Westbay · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son absolutely loved this book! So much more than a graphic novel, a fun adventure with lots of heart and wit! Beautifully written with fantastic artwork, a must read for all kids!

[Jeffrey E Nord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and so did both of my kids (ages 10/13). It is funny, interesting, and beautifully illustrated.

[Emily Yudofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zak vs. Zombies isn't just a graphic novel; it's a portal to an imaginative world where adventure, laughter, and important lessons are masterfully woven together. The beautiful artwork and whitty writing will have you flipping back to your favorite pages and will leave a lasting impact on young readers and adults alike.