Fifth grader Nathan is a bit of an outcast. He is always last to get picked for a team, a target for bullies, and doesn't get invited to the school's big party hosted by his big crush. Things begin to look up when Nathan accidentally comes in contact with an experimental formula and becomes a half-dead zombie. Now he can stay up all night playing video games (since he no longer needs sleep), he feels no pain so he doesn't fear the bullies, and is able to conquer his asthma and play sports. Still, he'd prefer to be a normal human. Will he ever find a way to go back to being his former self?

This funny book with lots of action is a good choice for boys, especially reluctant readers. Nathan is a relatable underdog and easy to root for. His friends are loyal, smart, and supportive and his family is loving. There are a few gross parts -- a fork gets stuck in Nathan's head (but he doesn't feel pain) and he cannot digest food, so he must throw it up -- but the over-the top-nature of this content makes it more amusing than scary. Overall, it's a fun, quick read about an outcast who gains some superpowers and triumphs over the mean popular kids.

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