The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition

July 8, 2024
The summer before seventh grade deviates from Frani Gonzalez’s expectations in this distinctively eerie adventure by Cuevas (Mari and the Curse of El Cocodrilo). Frani—who lives on a “body farm” with her forensic anthropology professor papi and older sister and calls her ADHD brain Arañita, or little spider—is assisting her father with his research over the summer. When strange things start happening, such as corpses rising out of the ground and wandering the property, Frani’s new friend Benji proposes theories from horror movies. The actual cause eludes them—until they befriend “Definitely Undead Dude” Santiago, a perpetually 16-year-old former foster kid whose disappearance and death went uninvestigated. Thorough forensics research, as explained in back matter, provides clinical facts about decomposition that add heft to numerous gross-out moments in this genre-bending tag-team horror adventure. The focus on Frani’s attempts to better understand her brain and how it works—and how to use it to her advantage—offers a unique perspective to the numerous supernatural and interpersonal challenges she encounters throughout. Frani and Santiago are Latinx; Benji reads as Japanese American. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary.

August 15, 2024
The days are bound to be interesting when your backyard is a body farm, as 12-year-old Francisca Mirabel Gonzalez well knows. Frani relishes the decomposition science her father studies at Central Texas University's Forensic Anthropology Research Facility. Far from squeamish, she helps her dad prepare cadavers for their placement in the field so he can record data on how bodies decompose under different conditions. Frani, who struggles with ADHD, worries that Benji Tanaka, a new scientist's son, will find her interest weird. But Benji, who's also 12, surprises her by sharing her fascination. After several of the cadavers turn up missing, Benji and Frani come face-to-face with a reanimated corpse. Befriending the teenage zombie, they try to discover his identity before the other missing bodies wreak havoc on campus. Gruesome--and scientifically accurate--details about the dead bodies will enthrall readers with strong stomachs. Cuevas, who also has ADHD, presents the realistic reactions Frani receives to her condition: Her sister is hypercritical, but her dad is supportive, using strategies to help her stay focused. Frani progresses from self-criticism to self-acceptance, recognizing her neurodivergence as a strength as she helps the team round up the walking dead. With its mix of forensics, ADHD representation, and suspense, this novel offers a unique read for those who enjoy spooky science fiction and heartfelt storytelling. Frani and her family read Latine, while Benji and his dad are cued Japanese American. A story with plenty of heart--and other body parts. (author's note)(Paranormal. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2024
Grades 4-7 Though frustrated by Ara�ita--the disruptive, imaginary spider in her brain constantly leaping around on a web of random thoughts--almost-seventh-grader Frani is happy helping out at her science-professor dad's research lab (i.e., a body farm). One summer day, she and new friend Benji are taking notes on the quietly decomposing cadavers when they stumble across one that is undead. Unfazed, the pair befriends this confused, rapidly deteriorating teen and tries to dig up his background before he loses any more toes or teeth. But when the university is overrun by more undead lurchers, it's neurodivergent Frani who's able to dissect the mystery--and the team, even her carping older sister, celebrates the unique workings of Frani's brain. Packed with facts about how bodies decompose and oozing details from both human science and zombie lore, this funny, affirming work by Pura Belpr� Award winner Cuevas injects a perfect dose of ick into the fast-paced action. Readers of this tweenage romp will unearth a playful yet authentic exploration of body and brain science with an abundance of heart.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2024
Twelve-year-old Frani feels like Araqita, the metaphorical "spider that lives in my brain web," jumps from thread to thread, making her easily distracted and often affecting her self-esteem. When she helps her father, a forensic anthropology professor, however, she is fascinated by the study of cadavers and is able to focus. While working at the university's research facility, Frani and the son of another professor come across some dead bodies that have decidedly not remained dead. The research group launches into an exploit exploring the DUDs ("Definitely Undead Dudes"), even befriending and helping one. While not for the weak-stomached, all the gross-out components of the story -- vivid descriptions of the decomposing bodies, including bloated skin and maggot infestations -- are done with a minimum of sensationalism. Despite nefarious schemes and zombies, the story is charming and heartwarming overall. ADHD is never mentioned directly, but Araqita provides an apt and relatable metaphor. Offering this book to children who love adventure and a bit of horror is a no-brainer. Amanda R. Toledo

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2024
Twelve-year-old Frani feels like Aranita, the metaphorical "spider that lives in my brain web," jumps from thread to thread, making her easily distracted and often affecting her self-esteem. When she helps her father, a forensic anthropology professor, however, she is fascinated by the study of cadavers and is able to focus. While working at the university's research facility, Frani and the son of another professor come across some dead bodies that have decidedly not remained dead. The research group launches into an exploit exploring the DUDs ("Definitely Undead Dudes"), even befriending and helping one. While not for the weak-stomached, all the gross-out components of the story -- vivid descriptions of the decomposing bodies, including bloated skin and maggot infestations -- are done with a minimum of sensationalism. Despite nefarious schemes and zombies, the story is charming and heartwarming overall. ADHD is never mentioned directly, but Aranita provides an apt and relatable metaphor. Offering this book to children who love adventure and a bit of horror is a no-brainer.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)