Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie
#1 in Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
'My name is Adam Meltzer and the last thing I remember was being stung by a bee while swinging at a robot-shaped pinata on my twelfth birthday. I was dead before the candy hit the ground.' Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie is narrated by the hilarious Adam Meltzer - pre-teen, worrywart, and now zombie. Adam's family gets the fright of their lives when he turns up at their door . . . three months after his funeral. Soon Adam's back at school trying to fit in and not draw extra attention to himself, but when he sees his neighbour Ernesto transform into a chupacubra, and the beautiful Corina (Adam's number one mega-crush) turns out to be a (vegan) vampire, undead life is never going to be the same again. A hilarious adventure caper - if Ferris Bueller met Shaun of the Dead - all about friendship and being yourself . . . even if you're undead.
Character compass
Adam Meltzer
Corina
Wilma
Discussion points
What do you think are some of the challenges Adam faced being different from others, and how do you think he felt?
Why is friendship important in the story and how do the friends support each other?
What lessons did you learn from Adam's journey about handling difficulties and misunderstandings?
How do the characters in the book show resilience or courage in challenging situations?
If you were in Adam's position, how would you try to make new friends or handle bullying?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book without judgment. Validate their emotions and offer personal insights or anecdotes related to the themes. Highlight specific parts or quotes from the book as conversation starters. Compare Adam's experiences to real-life situations your child may encounter, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. Use open-ended questions to enable thoughtful reflections, and listen actively to what your child shares.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of self and others
Explanation: The protagonist, a neurotic zombie named Adam, navigates challenges that highlight the importance of accepting oneself and others despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and respect others’ differences, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Adam encounters various obstacles but consistently demonstrates resilience, showing readers that perseverance is key even in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay persistent and resilient when facing their own challenges, whether at school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the importance of friendship becomes evident as Adam relies on his friends to overcome challenges, illustrating how vital relationships are in one’s life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate and value friendships, understanding that having supportive relationships can greatly impact their lives positively.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Adam’s interactions with other characters teach him to be empathetic and understand perspectives different from his own.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the ability to empathize with others, fostering a more compassionate approach in their everyday relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Adam and his friends often engage in problem-solving, which plays a crucial role in overcoming the story’s conflicts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their problem-solving skills, helping them navigate and find solutions to issues in real life.