Enter zombie-ravaged California through the QR code on the book’s cover to join the fight against zombies and uncover their true origins. ZOMBIE SEASON users will step into the shoes of the books’ protagonists while fighting for their survival and uncovering the mysterious origins of their undead foe together with their friends. The only way to reveal the full backstory is by exploring Redwood, solving riddles, and progressing in the experience! How did the zombie problem begin? What did scientists know? Can you put a stop to zombie season? Read the book. Play the game. Fight the undead.

 

“ZOMBIE SEASON is a heart-pounding read with engaging characters and a rich backstory. The storytelling will be further enhanced by the gripping immersive experience. We’re thrilled to be among the first major publishers to innovate in Roblox. Scholastic has a history of multi-platform success, most notably with The 39 Clues series, which has over 17.5 million copies in print. We’re excited to offer the legions of community members on Roblox an opportunity to extend and amplify this unique reading experience,” says Erin Berger, SVP, Trade Marketing and Publicity at Scholastic.

 

The ZOMBIE SEASON experience, built in conjunction with creative agency Media Monks, will let users join the zombie-fighting brigade, alternating between phases of building defenses and fighting back waves of zombies. It can be enjoyed both solo and with friends and will include an unlockable audio story, leaderboards, a community tip center, and wearable items that can be shown off across Roblox. 

 

About ZOMBIE SEASON (Sept. 5, 2023; Scholastic; Ages 8 – 12): It's a hard time to be in California. Every scorching summer brings the predictable disaster. Towns are evacuated. Property is destroyed. Lives are on the line. Because every summer, catastrophe begins in the woods. Every summer, zombie season arrives.

 

Growing up in Redwood, CA means learning to live through the zombie surges. But something about this year’s zombie season feels . . . different. Oliver, Joule, Regina and their friends can tell that the zombies have changed—they’re stronger and faster than ever. And even more disturbing, they seem to be smarter. But when the adults refuse to accept this scary truth, the kids must find a way to sound the alarm: this year's zombie season is far more dangerous and it’s not going to fade away on its own. 

 

Something has changed, and time is running out to stop it.

 

But as the kids begin to investigate, they discover that the problem runs far deeper than they realized. The new wave of deadly zombies was part of a bigger plan—one that powerful people will do anything to protect.

 

ZOMBIE SEASON, Book Two, by Justin Weinberger will be out in Summer 2024. 

 

Zombie Season is Justin Weinberger’s second novel, following his debut, Reformed. Justin has also contributed to numerous television dramas, including the FX on Hulu series, “The Patient”, and FX’s “The Americans”, for which he shared in the Writers Guild of America’s award for Outstanding Writing - Drama Series. Originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, Justin lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, Chelsea, and their dog, Penny.

 

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com. 

 

Media.Monks is a digital-first marketing and advertising services company, known for designing and developing immersive online experiences in partnership with leading brands. The company’s previous Roblox activations have drawn millions, and been recognized by The One Show, The Webbys, The Campaign Experience Awards -- to name a few.