Series: The Last Kids on Earth (Book 1)
Title: The Last Kids on Earth
Author: Max Brallier
Published: 2015
Genre: Dystopia
Grade Level: 3rd-5th
Warning: Gross monsters and zombies
Audiobook - Do not get an audiobook! It relies heavily on illustrations to help tell the story!
Blurb (from goodreads):
Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen year old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he's armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores.
But Jack alone is no match for the hoards of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack's loyal pet monster, Rover; and Jack's crush, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?
My Scores:
Writing Style: Top Notch
This book is a blast! Between all the illustrations and the fast pacing of the narration, it felt like I was reading a graphic novel rather than a book.
Throughout the novel, Brallier loves to address the audience directly. A writing technique that works amazingly well for him on several fronts. Firstly, it makes the reader feel like they are an essential part of the characters lives. Almost instantly the reader becomes engaged and emotionally invested. Secondly, this technique makes for smooth transitions that keep the plot moving at a brisk pace. Lastly, and most especially, it serves as a vehicle for humor.
This book is first and foremost a comedy. The humor is most impressive to me, so much that it feels like the author’s main purpose in writing this novel is simply to give a child a good laugh.
Characters: Memorable
I am going to remember these characters long after I’ve read the book. They were relatable, lovable, and so much fun! Usually I prefer my characters to be more complex, but these characters are as developed as they need to be. The author is actually able to use their simplicity to make fun of stereotypes, creating fun plot twists!
Plot: Absolute Page Turner
As mentioned, the plot kept up a brisk pace. The author made sure there was no good spot to put it down. Each sentence demands attention and moves the reader straight into the next. Before you know it, hours have gone by without your notice. That’s how much fun this book is! Fight the monster, rescue the friend, and dodge the zombies! Go, go, go!
This book is definitely intended for kids who are reluctant to read.
Overall: Totally Obsessed
Overall, I’m totally obsessed with this book! It is a really fun time with lots of laughs. I was so enthralled with the first book that I dove straight in and bought the next five of the six books in the series and had Brallier sign them all while I was at the North Texas Teen Book Festival! I can’t wait to see what the rest of this series has in store!
Goodreads Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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