Haru, Zombie Dog Hero is a mash-up of middle grade horror and heart-warming dog stories. It's about a dog named Haru and his dedication to his boy, Luke. I think kids will really like the character of Haru and all the horror elements. I do think the story takes a bit too long to get going, Haru doesn't become a zombie until pretty far into the book. Younger, more sensitive readers may be disturbed by the animal experimentation scenes but it should be fine for most readers.

So much fun and adventure! Ellen Oh’s books can always be counted on for captivating readers in engaging mysteries that don’t shy away from hard truths. This book will delight a wide variety of young readers.

This book hooked me right away - I always enjoy an animal perspective in a story. It has such a compelling plot that I was able to finish it in what I would describe as record time for me. I"m often in the middle of multiple books, but from the moment I started this book until I finished, it was my one and only. I liked the character interactions, and I"m hopeful for a sequel. Although in my imagination, the sequel has their infected dog spreading the problem in a new city. I liked the callout of wealth skirting rules and bullying. I loved it and will definitely be recommending it to the upper grades at my elementary.

Haru, Zombie Dog Hero is a love story between a boy and his dog and the power of their relationship. The story touches on racism and classism in a way that both gives a non-white perspective and illustrates the insidiousness of the power dynamic created by wealthy whites towards the groups who interact with them, regardless of race. This was a quick read, and I wonder if perhaps it's meant to be a part of a series, because it ends rather abruptly, just as the story reaches a climax, which definitely leaves the reader wondering what will happen to Haru and Luke next?

I had enjoyed previous work from Ellen Oh, it's always a spooky good time when reading. The plot does a great job in being unique concept for zombies. Haru was a good dog character and did what I was expecting, and the rest of the human characters were what I was looking for. It had the joy from the Spirit Hunters series and am excited to read more from Ellen Oh.

“I’ll be fine,” he replied. “I can control myself.” “How?” “I think of Luke and what he would want me to do,” Haru said. “And he’d be proud of me and make me a sandwich.” Haru took a deep sniff in and released it. “My favorite chicken sandwich with cheese.”