Dead Guy Spy

From my son, "It was one of the best books ive ever read wow i love it it was really cool. I like the idea he was a zombie and he had to learn to deal with falling body parts. i highly recommended for ages 8+."

As if becoming a zombie permanently wasn't bad enough, Nathan's problems have just gotten worse. His limbs keep falling off and having to be glued back on; his wrestling-obsessed gym teacher is determined to toughen the whole class up; and now some weirdo, secret organization is trying to make him a spy. The spy thing wouldn't be so bad if they weren't already trying to kill him if he doesn't join. Will Nathan Abercrombie find a way to cope with school and survive the spies? DEAD GUY SPY is a hilarious adventure in true Lubar fashion. The characters are well-developed and entertaining. The plot is unique and fun to read. Readers will have a hard time keeping a straight face while enjoying this book. Although you'll definitely want to read the first book in the series, MY ROTTEN LIFE, this is a great stand-alone story and will keep reluctant and avid readers wanting to read more. Reviewed by: Kira M

We aren't all born to be spies, or superheroes. Some of us are just born to be normal. Nathan was probably like that before he has some Corpse Flower. Now that he has ingested the flower and become a sensation at school for his athletic tricks, his always ontime homework, and a rapdily depleting project to do list, what's next? An exploding squirrel is just part of the answer. The other question floating around school is wrestling. With a championship wrestling team that Coach Lomux wants to develop, it would seem that Nathan is a good fit. Truthfully, the whole team is. No-one is really trying, and just want to survive the breathe through a sock drill? B.U.M., the bureau of useful misadventures, is well named, and eventually proves what their motives really are. Would you go to a Tile and Grout museum if not to go to a secret spy organization? Nathan, Mookie, and Abigail use the zombie skill of 'eating' to win a wing contest. $25 later, and a tummy full of wings are not a bad thing. Won't tell you why though. I really enjoyed the book and think it is very suitable for ages from grade 4 and up. David Lubar writes well and engages his readers skill fully. You can really laugh at this one. Five wings up! Tim Lasiuta

My fourth grader belly laughed when reading the first Nathan Ambercrombie book. I bought this one and he finished it in a few days, laughing all of the way. He would stop and read me parts and it was very entertaining for us. He can't wait for the next one!!!

Now you have to remember that this is a middle grade book and I am going to say that it would probably be more enjoyed by the younger middle graders (8-10). I also think it is more fitting for boys than girls but I think both can enjoy it. Nathan Abercrombie, was in a accident with some chemicals that left him dead. He doesn't have to breathe, he has no heart beat, he has no need to sleep. His best friend calls him a zombie, but Nathan doesn't really like that term. The cool thing about being dead is you can stay up all night, but bad thing is that when you break something it breaks off of you. Nathan has some glue that is specially made to put him back together when he breaks. BUM (Bureau of Useful Misadventures) knows that Nathan is a half dead zombie and they want to use him in their organization. Meanwhile, Nathan's gym teacher thinks he needs to toughing them up, but Nathan's just worried about losing a body part in the process. Nathan thinks it would be cool to be a spy but when he learns somethings about BUM he is not sure if they are the good guys or the bad guys. Overall, I thought this was a cute book, for me it was a fast read. I thought it was funny in parts and would recommend it to anyone who has young readers. It has all the fun elements of a kids book, robot squirells, lots of talk about farting, and one very gaseous mess due to a half dead zombie eating chicken wings.