The Summer I Ate the Rich

Just add garlic, lemon, and a dash of the one percent.

This smart, biting novel explores what happens when a Haitian American girl uses her previously hidden zombie abilities to exact revenge on the wealthy elites who've caused her family pain.

Brielle Petitfour loves to cook. But with a chronically sick mother and bills to pay, becoming a chef isn't exactly a realistic career path.

When Brielle's mom suddenly loses her job, Brielle steps in and uses her culinary skills to earn some extra money. The rich families who love her cooking praise her use of unique flavors and textures, which keep everyone guessing what's in Brielle's dishes. The secret ingredient? Human flesh.

Written by the storytelling duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, The Summer I Ate the Rich is a modern-day fable inspired by Haitian zombie lore that scrutinizes the socioeconomic and racial inequity that is the foundation of our society. Just like Brielle's clients, it will have you asking: What's for dinner?

National Indie Bestseller
A Recommended Read by CBS Mornings Plus!

"These young women are incredible authors." -CBS Mornings Plus

Author: Maika Moulite,Maritza Moulite
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 04/22/2025
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.41h x 5.85w x 1.29d
ISBN: 9780374390532
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/20/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2025
School Library Journal 04/01/2025 pg. 130
Booklist 04/01/2025 pg. 109

About the Author

Maika Moulite is a Miami native and the daughter of Haitian immigrants. Her acclaimed young adult novels frequently explore themes of identity, family, and vengeance. Her work has been featured on the TODAY Show and Essence Magazine. Maika is also a doctoral student at Howard University, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, culture, and media. She's the eldest of four sisters and, when she's not writing, loves listening to audiobooks, dancing and singing at the top of her lungs, and journaling (which actually means... more writing).

Maritza Moulite graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's in women's studies and the University of Southern California with a master's in journalism. Her work often examines the lives of marginalized people and revenge, and has been featured on NPR and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Maritza's favorite roles have been Head Start literacy tutor and pre-k teacher assistant. She is now a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania exploring ways to improve literacy through children's media. She clearly couldn't get enough of school. Her favorite song is "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.

To find out more information about this talented sister duo you can visit their website.