The Last Kids on Earth

By: Jamie Steinberg

The Last Kids on Earth by author Max Brallier is an action-packed series filled with monsters (“Dozers” and “Winged Wretches”) and zombie adventure sequences that will keep middle school aged readers on the edge of their seats. With graphic novel-esque illustrations by Douglas Holgate we dip into a post monster apocalypse world that follows our thirteen-year-old protagonist Jack Sullivan seeking to build a team to take on the biggest baddie of them all – a gargantuan menace that is simply known as “Blarg.” The tale of The Last Kids on Earth features a dash of laugh-out-loud humor and offers a great escape from reality for young readers (especially my eleven-year-old niece).

Jack and his band of wisecracking middle school pals live in a decked-out tree house. They play video games, indulge in candy and kick some serious zombie tail. Along for the ride is Quint Baker who serves as Jack’s best friend who wears a trench coat and has a penchant for creating inventions (adult readers picture Data from The Goonies but African American). There is also Dirk Savage. He gives off “former high school bully” vibes, but joins Jack and Quint providing the muscle they need to take on the darkness of their world. Plus, there is June Del Toro (Jack’s love interest). Jack is on a mission to find and rescue his lady love. While seeking survival supplies, the group drive around in “The Big Mama,” a weapon enhanced truck that includes extra storage space for loot snagged along their way.

Brallier has said that the book series was inspired by his childhood, using his backyard tree house that he built with his father when he was a kid as the hub for Sullivan and his squad. He also utilized his infatuation with zombies and his adoration for the 80’s pirate adventure flick The Goonies for Sullivan. Thus, Brallier created the book series he said he would have wanted to read when he was in 5^th grade.

The Last Kids on Earth is a silly and captivating tale that keeps the readers invested in Jack and his band of buddies. Young readers will be excited to learn that the book series has been turned into a Netflix animated series that Brallier serves as creator and EP on. He also had a heavy hand in writing the script and developing the storyline. To coincide with the show announcement, Brallier has also released his latest installment in the series entitled The Last Kids on Earth and the Midnight Blade.

The book series is a wonderful escape for young readers. It’s easy to invest in each of the characters, especially cheering on Jack as he fights to survive in this monster madness. Brallier is a gifted writer and young adults alike will surely find the The Last Kids on Earth series to be a fast and favorite read.