MY ROTTEN LIFE is a perfect reluctant reader pick, the first in a series about Nathan Abercrombie, who does indeed become a zombie (well, part zombie) through rather bizarre means.  In the hopes of getting rid of the rotten feelings that come with being humiliated every day at middle school by bullies and girls alike, he visits a scientist who is working on a concoction called Hurt-B-Gone.  A large amount of the still-in-testing-phase liquid is sprayed on him, and and when odd effects begin to occur, Nathan tries to see him again, but the scientist is on the run (as he’s got a criminal past).  As days pass, more and more of Nathan becomes, well, dead.  He’s not breathing, he can’t eat (as he’s not digesting, which makes for a comical yet disguisting moment), and as the cover divulges, not all his fingers stay attached at all times.  Still, Nathan has scientist-in-training Abigail (whose uncle got Nathan into this mess to begin with) and his best bud Mookie around to help him through the tough times.  This is classic Lubar, where the jokes come quick and easy, and Nathan’s predicament, while it has its drawbacks, have some advantages for someone trapped in fifth grade.  Starscape also brilliantly put this out in paperback for its launch, so getting this one in kids’ hands will be easier than accidentally spilling serum on someone.  Look for a second book to come in early 2010.

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