Girls Save the World in This One

Zombies are unleashed on small-town Georgia in this adventuresome survival tale. High school senior June Blue just wants to have a fabulous day at ZombieCon! and make Special Memories with her best friends Imani and Siggy, but things go from thrilling to strange to downright terrifying as some of the zombies shambling through the con turn out to be more than cosplayers. When the girls discover that they’ve been locked in and essentially left to die, they use their obsession with the zombie show Human Wasteland along with their wit and wiles to guide a small group of survivors through the convention center in a desperate bid for safety. Though this book starts slow, with the first third taken up by ordinary convention activities, the descent into horror and chaos is rapid and immersive. The best friends stick together, protecting each another and the survivors they encounter, deepening the bonds of friendship and leaning into each other’s strengths. This is an excellent read for any teen who loves thrills, action, and stories of survival. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)