Melanie Abed releases Zombie Zoo, a middle-grade supernatural adventure

Melanie Abed has released Zombie Zoo: Adventures in Tub, the first book in a five-book series for readers ages 8-13. The story follows two orphan investigators on a fictional island as they race to stop a wood-eating zombie plague and save their town.

Why it matters: - Zombie Zoo targets middle-grade readers ages 8-13 with a blend of paranormal mystery, humor and STEAM-themed problem-solving. - The book is positioned for reluctant readers, classroom use and library programming. - The title is the first installment in a five-book series, setting up a larger story world around Felix and Ninja.

What happened: - Melanie Abed announced the release of Zombie Zoo - Adventures in Tub (Felix & Ninja, Book 1). - The book is published by Oculus Print. - The story is set on the fictional island of Tub in Spinachi. - Felix Fizzystyxx, a 13-year-old aspiring naturalist, discovers that orphans at Wayward Amok Orphanage are turning into wood-eating zombies. - Felix teams up with Ninja, another orphan who relies on instinct and sharp observation.

The details: - The outbreak begins after someone deliberately unleashes a strange plague on Spinachi. - Felix’s scientific observation and Ninja’s intuition become the key tools in the search for a cure. - Doc Brunne, the pair’s eccentric mentor, is compromised during the crisis. - Spinachi’s water supply is contaminated by a glowing bioluminescent substance. - The book weaves in biology, chemistry, bioluminescence, water systems, pattern recognition and the scientific method. - The story explores unlikely friendship, identity, trust across differences, courage and speaking up when adults do not listen. - The book features diverse protagonists, spooky-but-fun scares, quirky humor and strong female and male leads. - The title is described as ideal for fans of The Last Kids on Earth, Amari and the Night Brothers and Goosebumps. - Educator resources include discussion guides, vocabulary lists, STEAM extension activities and printable maps. - The materials are designed to support cross-curricular lessons that bridge ELA, STEAM and SEL. - Melanie Abed describes herself as a behavioral expert turned story weaver. - Abed says she writes to help kids discover their superpowers are real. - More information is available on Melanie Abed's website and Amazon.

Between the lines: - The release leans into the growing middle-grade market for high-concept adventure stories with both emotional and educational hooks. - The STEAM framing and educator assets suggest the book is being marketed not just as entertainment, but as a classroom-friendly title. - The combination of zombies, island mystery and orphan protagonists gives the series a strong commercial genre blend.

What's next: - Zombie Zoo launches a five-book arc centered on Felix and Ninja. - The educator materials could help drive adoption in schools, libraries and book clubs. - Reader interest in the first book will likely shape momentum for the rest of the series.