Zombie Tag

A parent might reach for this book when their middle-schooler is grappling with the intense grief of losing a sibling or close friend and processes emotions through action rather than quiet reflection. The story follows Wil, who is lost in sorrow after his older brother Graham's death. He copes by playing an elaborate game called Zombie Tag, but when he finds a way to actually bring Graham back, the game becomes a terrifying reality. This book uses a fantasy and horror lens to explore the overwhelming desire to undo loss and the messy, painful process of acceptance. It's a compelling choice for kids who appreciate genre fiction, as it validates difficult feelings within an exciting, high-stakes plot.