Zombie Town
on Goodreads (842)
What’s inside...
This used to be such a nice, quiet town. But that was before all the zombies. When twelve-year-old Mike and his friend, Karen, go to see a horror movie called Zombie Town, the last thing they expect is for the title characters to come down off the screen and chase them through the theater. And it’s not popcorn these hungry creatures want to chomp on—it’s human brains! Now Mike and Karen frantically try to flee through the panicked streets of their hometown before shuffling bands of zombies turn every last citizen into a ravenous flesh-eater. But if Mike thinks he’ll be safe once he reaches his house and warns Mom and Dad, he'd better think again. When the zombies say it's lunchtime, no home is safe! Zombie Town is R.L. Stine’s delightfully spooky take on the horror genre that’s infecting the world, bite by bite.
Age
7-11
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters in Zombie Town solved their problems?
How would you feel if you were a character in the book, and what would you have done differently?
What do you think the zombies in the story represent?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a big problem like the characters in the book?
What do you think is the most important message of Zombie Town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes or no response to encourage deeper thinking.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story and discuss their importance in real-life situations.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to enhance creativity.
Acknowledge all responses to show that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Zombie Town', characters work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book features characters who must think critically and creatively to navigate challenges in their zombie-infested town.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their own problem-solving skills, which they can use in academic challenges and social situations.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Characters in the book consistently face scary situations but learn to overcome their fears, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of facing their fears, whether it’s trying out for a new sport, speaking in front of class, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As characters interact with the zombies, they learn to understand and empathize with their situations, shifting perceptions and behaviors.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of empathy towards others who are different from them, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their everyday interactions.