Reviews


2008 Glyph Winner
Best Cover Design-Children/Young Adult for The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster
Five Star Publications, Inc.


Dear Michael:
Thank you for coming to our school. Everyone enjoyed your reading of the book and are encouraged by your words of encouragement. We all look forward to the next two books.
Mrs. Cottrell and all Hohokam students (Scottsdale, AZ)


Thank you so much for your dynamic presentations at Liberty School yesterday. You provided living proof of the ripple effect of reading and writing! Thanks again!
Jeanie Reams
Liberty School


"We appreciate your willingness to share your talents and gifts with Conley. We truly felt your passion for writing and for kids!"
Jill Lewkowski for Conley Elementary School and the Family Teacher Organization


In reference to Michael Moorehead's presentation at the ARA-Ocotillo East Valley Reading Council's February 2008 meeting, Laura Penna, ARA-OEVRC treasurer and elementary school teacher writes:
"I appreciated Michael Moorehead's inspirational comments that remind us to reach every learner."


"Michael J. Moorehead has written a very entertaining book which will entertain children of all ages. … Jumping to conclusions without finding out the facts is never a good idea. The concept of The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster" comes across in a smooth way [with] humorous pictures. I would love to read m ore books about the student from Zombie Island and his adventures at his new school!"
(Click to Read Entire Review)
Brianne Plach (age 10)
For Kids Reader Views


Michael Moorehead is a young author who may soon be finishing junior high school. His writing is inspirational for other children who will learn from this story The Student from Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster...

The beautiful illustrations are colorful, fanciful and, well, just plain delightful. You will enjoy watching Bust `em Up Bill try to meet the imagination of the class. You'll be laughing at the ridiculous ways he may come to class. Terrific!
Kate O'Mara
Eclectic Homeschool Online


“Michael’s writing in Zombie Island is a perfect example for students of descriptive word choice and unique voice.”
La Rae Kendrick
Creator of Our Six Writing Friends
www.helpkidswrite.com


"Just wanted to let you know we made it out to Michael Moorehead's book signing on Friday night. What a great kid! We aired the story in our 10pm news cast on channel 12 in Phoenix. Thanks!"
Laura B. Slawny
Executive Producer
KPNX-TV / 12 News
Phoenix, Arizona


I read this book to several 7-year-olds, and after I set it down, they clamored to read it again themselves. When I pointed out that a junior-high student wrote the book, they thought that was really cool.
Amy Downing
TDmonthly's Book Expert
Play Zak Magazine


Barnes & Noble Inc. will open a bookstore at Tempe Marketplace Sept. 19 with a staff of 70 local employees ...Sept. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m., young local author Michael Moorehead will sign copies of his book, "The Student from Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster."
The The Business Journal of Phoenix
September 5, 2007


Barnes & Noble to Open New Store at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, Arizona
On September 29 from 1 to 3 p.m., young local author Michael Moorehead will sign copies of his book, The Student from Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster, and give away bookmarks and balloons.
Barnes & Noble Press Release - Reuters
8:30 AM ET, 5 September 2007


The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monstar
Meet Michael in person at the new Barnes & Noble at Tempe Marketplace when Michael attends the grand opening from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 29.
AZFamily.com


Dear Michael:
On behalf of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), I would like to thank you for participating in AAUW’s Expanding a Legacy of Leadership National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

We appreciate your willingness to conduct a book signing during the convention, for your book, The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster. As you know, the purpose of this year’s biennial event was to bring together over 1,200 women from around the nation to explore a wide range of issues affecting women and girls. Your participation as a Book Corner author contributed to the success of this mission.

Michael, the AAUW Book Corner is truly a unique highlight of the convention and you being in-person to not only share your ideas, but also personally sign your book, made the convention very special for our guests. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

I wish you continued success, and look forward to collaborating with you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Linh Steenberg
Development Associate


...The Student From Zombie Island was written by Michael J. Moorhead when he was just seven years old. The book teaches children the danger of believing rumors and reminds readers that rumors can easily grow out of control and be far from the truth. It’s a funny book – well written and includes adorable illustrations...

...It helped open up discussion about rumors and how to treat new kids at school and is written in such a way that it made it a fun topic to talk about instead of feeling threatening.
Jill Hart
Blogcritics
Published May 19, 2007


11-year-old from Tempe sees manuscript in print

Photo by Thomas Boggan, Tribune

...Michael Moorehead seems to be taking his newfound fame in stride. He’s OK with having his photo taken at book signings. He relates well with reporters seeking interviews. He’s accommodating — as long as the requests don’t interfere with homework or Boy Scout meetings.

Michael, author of the recently released “The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monsters” ($15.95; Five Star Publications), is only 11.

“He’s become a mini-celebrity here,” his former second-grade teacher Nancy Lujan says, since he’s been doing book-reading appearances at his alma mater, C.I. Waggoner Elementary School in Tempe.

Michael credits Lujan for inspiring him to write; in fact, the book was originally a present to her...
Julie Janovsky
Metro Phoenix's East Valley Tribune


SanTan “Son” gets published
Sixth-grader to sign book May 20 at Art on Boston
..."He wrote this wonderful book," beams Nancy Lujan, who still teaches at Waggoner Elementary School where Michael attended while in her class. "I recently read it to my current students and they enjoyed it immensely. In fact, they were mesmerized. I believe it's their favorite story that I've shared with them yet! Other teachers in the school shared (it) with their classes as well, and the reaction was equally positive."...
L. Rae Van Kast
SanTan Sun News
Front page story May 5, 2007


Published author Michael Moorehead is no stranger to rejection, long hours at a desk and years of writing draft after draft in hopes of creating a single piece that will fly off bookshelves.

Tuesday he returned to his alma mater, C.I. Waggoner Elementary, to honor his inspiration - second-grade teacher Nancy Lujan. He presented her with an autographed copy of his book during a student assembly.

Afterward, the sixth-grader walked next door to Kyrene Middle School to resume classes.

Michael's The Student from Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster depicts an outrageous environment shaped by gossip, assumptions and rumors. The colorfully illustrated children's book is now available in bookstores and online at www.ZombieIslandBooks.com, for $15.95...

...Lujan recalled Michael's strong interest in writing and how he went above and beyond assignment requirements, which she said distinguished him from the other second-graders.

"His writing was fun to read. He took things to the extra level," she said...
Georgann Yara
Special for The Republic
Apr. 25, 2007







Published by Little Five Star, a division of
Five Star Publications, Inc.
ISBN: 1-58985-072-6
ISBN: 978-1-58985-072-9
Published 2007

$15.95 U.S. ($18.95 Canada), Hardcover, Fiction
www.ZombieIslandBooks.com