Extremely cute dual POV between a boy and his turning-into-a-zombie dog. Touches on real world things like pet abandonment, friendships, environmental damages done by careless factories, animal testing, racism, and how to deal with 'friends' who are more like bullies than actual friends. I loved the twist on the classic zombie lore to tie into more real world events, and while the book ends on a apocolyptic note, it's still strangely hopeful despite everything. Extremely quick read, and the short size will help make it more accessible to reluctant readers (I mean, besides the fact that this is a book about a ZOMBIE DOG). The colors that pop on the cover will also definitely draw in readers. (and for anyone who doesn't want 'the dog' to die int eh book, if you ignore the zombification of Haru, you are in luck! Happy ending, no spoiler I hope LOL) Loved it!

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?