Lisa is a librarian and often works at the Information Desk in the Children's Library. She is our resident YA fiction expert and co-champion of the Animanga Tea Party programs.
She recommends the e-audiobook Dread Nation by Justina Ireland, which you can find on both Libby and hoopla. It is also available as an e-book (Libby) or print book.
Summary
The Civil War comes to a halt when the dead begin to rise on the battlefields. The North and South put aside their philosophical differences and join forces against the undead. Slavery may be abolished, but the Native and Negro Reeducation Act still forces children of color into combat schools so they may serve as a buffer between the living and the undead.
Jane McKeene hopes to avoid conscription by studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect Baltimore’s well-to-do. When local families begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy and becomes embroiled in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies.
She recommends it because...
“If you love alternate history with a spooky twist, Dread Nation is a must-listen,” says Lisa. “Set after the Civil War in a reimagined America overrun by the undead, this story is packed with action, sharp social commentary and a fierce, unforgettable heroine. The audiobook narration is by the wildly talented Bahni Turpin, who is skilled at bringing every character to life.”
Who might enjoy it?
Lisa believes that Dread Nation will resonate with fans of historical fiction, zombies, strong female leads and immersive audiobooks. It’s also great for teens and adults who enjoyed the movie Sinners, or the books The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn or Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao.
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