Rise of the Zombie Scarecrows

Despite the title, readers will find this book to be a perky Halloween prank–filled mystery, rather than an exploration of brain-chomping monsters. Written at a third-grade reading level, Loughead’s third Orca Currents book about 15-year-old Dylan (after The Snowball Effect and Caught in the Act) finds him directing a class film project inspired by his favorite zombie flicks and his town’s annual scarecrow contest. As Dylan, his pals, and his girlfriend prepare for a Halloween-night shoot, they get caught up in a real-life mystery that involves a local elderly man being spooked by, yes, zombie scarecrows. Snappy dialogue, a fun premise, and a not-too-obvious ending keep this tale moving briskly. Ages 10–14. (Apr.)