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The Last Kids on Earth #1
Τα τελευταία παιδιά στη Γη
Έχουν περάσει σαράντα δύο μέρες από τότε που τα τέρατα επιτέθηκαν στην πόλη. Σχεδόν όλοι οι κάτοικοι έχουν εξαφανιστεί – είτε έφυγαν είτε έγιναν ζόμπι. Ένα συνηθισμένο δεκατριάχρονο αγόρι όμως, ο Τζακ Σάλιβαν, κρύβεται στο δεντρόσπιτό του, που είναι εξοπλισμένο με καταπέλτες και περιβάλλεται από τάφρο. Διαθέτει επίσης βιντεοπαιχνίδια και ατελείωτα αποθέματα μπισκότων και αναψυκτικών, τα οποία έχει προμηθευτεί από τα εγκαταλειμμένα καταστήματα της πόλης.
Ωστόσο μόνος του ο Τζακ δεν μπορεί να αντιμετωπίσει τις ορδές των τεράτων και των ζόμπι που καραδοκούν και ειδικά την αδυσώπητη απειλή που ακούει στο όνομα Μπλαργκ. Πρέπει να βρει συμμάχους, άλλα παιδιά ή τέρατα που θα του δείξουν εμπιστοσύνη. Με τη βοήθειά τους θα παλέψει να συντρίψει τον Μπλαργκ και να γίνει ο απόλυτος Ήρωας της Εποχής της Αποκάλυψης!
Θα τα καταφέρει;
Το Ημερολόγιο ενός σπασίκλα συναντάει το The walking dead. Ξεκαρδιστικό, αγωνιώδες, γρήγορο, ανατρεπτικό, μετα-αποκαλυπτικό, τερατώδες, περιπετειώδες, ευρηματικό, graphic novel.
Ωστόσο μόνος του ο Τζακ δεν μπορεί να αντιμετωπίσει τις ορδές των τεράτων και των ζόμπι που καραδοκούν και ειδικά την αδυσώπητη απειλή που ακούει στο όνομα Μπλαργκ. Πρέπει να βρει συμμάχους, άλλα παιδιά ή τέρατα που θα του δείξουν εμπιστοσύνη. Με τη βοήθειά τους θα παλέψει να συντρίψει τον Μπλαργκ και να γίνει ο απόλυτος Ήρωας της Εποχής της Αποκάλυψης!
Θα τα καταφέρει;
Το Ημερολόγιο ενός σπασίκλα συναντάει το The walking dead. Ξεκαρδιστικό, αγωνιώδες, γρήγορο, ανατρεπτικό, μετα-αποκαλυπτικό, τερατώδες, περιπετειώδες, ευρηματικό, graphic novel.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
2394 people are currently reading
11286 people want to read
About the author
Max Brallier
93 books682 followersMax Brallier is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His books and series include The Last Kids on Earth, Eerie Elementary, Mister Shivers, Galactic Hot Dogs, and Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? He is a writer and producer for Netflix's Emmy-award-winning adaptation of The Last Kids on Earth. Max lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. Visit him at MaxBrallier.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,875 reviews
October 17, 2015
As part of our homeschool day I require my 8-year-old to read to me 1 - 3 chapters a day from a book of his choice. After he read one chapter of The Last Kids On Earth, he decided he wanted to read another. And after that one, he decided he wanted to read another. This went on for a couple more chapters until he decided he wanted to read the whole book today. I was given a lunch break and a few potty breaks, however, my son gleefully read the whole 225 pages of this book to me in one sitting. This was a first for him. And when he was done he wanted to know when he could get The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade. So I am gladly giving this book 5 stars because my 8-year-old son for the first time could not put down a book and had to read it in its entirety in one sitting. And if that's not a good enough review then I will add that The Last Kids on Earth is a very creative, funny and sometimes sweet read for older elementary/middle grade readers who enjoy zombies, monsters and lots of action. Also, the fun black-and-white illustrations on at least every other page are a perfect complement to the story. Perfect for comic book and graphic novel readers. My kid loved it!
December 7, 2019
I’m going to leave it at a 3 for now. The main character kid is a bit of an annoying dick. My favorite is June but she doesn’t come into play until almost the end. We shall see in the next books. I’m going to watch the Netflix show sometime.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 27, 2016
Sexist
I was put off by how sexist this book is. I understand it is from the point of view of a 12 year old boy, but really, come on. We need to do a better job of teaching boys what girls are like if this is how they really think.
First of all, the (only) girl character in the book doesn't even make her entrance until page 156 of a 225 page book. Good grief.
Secondly, the main character, Jack, spends the entire time questing for her. His ultimate feat is to rescue June, because in his mind she is a damsel in distress and if he saves her she will instantly fall for his heroic charms. As damsels do right. Doesn't matter that she barely knew him before the monster apocalypse, or that all interactions with him, she made it known how annoying she found him. All that does not matter because he is the hero and she is damsel.
Thirdly, when she finally does come into the picture, she tells him that she doesn't want saving and he should go away. His response is "this does not jibe. I need more time to convince her." His tactic is to ignore her wishes, and (figuratively) twist her arm until she agrees to go with him.
Oh and lets not forget, he also gets into a fight with his best friend and ends up calling dibs on her. When his friend protests and says "That is not how girls work" Jack's response is "That is how dibs work". His best friend agrees that she is Jack's girl and is not trying to steal her. So now she is reduced to an object that you can call dibs on. Not a person with feelings, thoughts, and opinions that matter. What the deuce?
Lastly, when all of them, Jack, June, and two other boys, get into a big monster battle at the end, they all must fight for their lives. I say all of them, because all of the kids were involved in some way. After all was said and done, Jack thinks to himself "the most important thing is... I did it." He is not referring to killing the monster, he is referring to saving June, the damsel. He says "she wasn't a damsel, and didn't need rescuing, but I managed kinda do it anyway and that is cool". So in his mind, the only really really important thing is that he rescued his crush from a situation he himself created so now he is the hero who deserves the affections of said girl.
This is so wrong.
I can see many boys enjoying this book because of the monsters, guts, action, and adventure. However, if your boys are reading this book, make sure to talk to them about how to treat, respect, and think about girls as people not objects. Please.
I was put off by how sexist this book is. I understand it is from the point of view of a 12 year old boy, but really, come on. We need to do a better job of teaching boys what girls are like if this is how they really think.
First of all, the (only) girl character in the book doesn't even make her entrance until page 156 of a 225 page book. Good grief.
Secondly, the main character, Jack, spends the entire time questing for her. His ultimate feat is to rescue June, because in his mind she is a damsel in distress and if he saves her she will instantly fall for his heroic charms. As damsels do right. Doesn't matter that she barely knew him before the monster apocalypse, or that all interactions with him, she made it known how annoying she found him. All that does not matter because he is the hero and she is damsel.
Thirdly, when she finally does come into the picture, she tells him that she doesn't want saving and he should go away. His response is "this does not jibe. I need more time to convince her." His tactic is to ignore her wishes, and (figuratively) twist her arm until she agrees to go with him.
Oh and lets not forget, he also gets into a fight with his best friend and ends up calling dibs on her. When his friend protests and says "That is not how girls work" Jack's response is "That is how dibs work". His best friend agrees that she is Jack's girl and is not trying to steal her. So now she is reduced to an object that you can call dibs on. Not a person with feelings, thoughts, and opinions that matter. What the deuce?
Lastly, when all of them, Jack, June, and two other boys, get into a big monster battle at the end, they all must fight for their lives. I say all of them, because all of the kids were involved in some way. After all was said and done, Jack thinks to himself "the most important thing is... I did it." He is not referring to killing the monster, he is referring to saving June, the damsel. He says "she wasn't a damsel, and didn't need rescuing, but I managed kinda do it anyway and that is cool". So in his mind, the only really really important thing is that he rescued his crush from a situation he himself created so now he is the hero who deserves the affections of said girl.
This is so wrong.
I can see many boys enjoying this book because of the monsters, guts, action, and adventure. However, if your boys are reading this book, make sure to talk to them about how to treat, respect, and think about girls as people not objects. Please.
August 18, 2021
LINK UPDATED
Meet Jack Sullivan. Zombie hunter, monster slayer, late-blooming, slow-developing 13-year-old. He’s riding out the monster apocalypse from his tree house, and is doing his best to keep busy.
He’s set himself achievements, like:
He’s Jack Sullivan, Post-Apocalyptic Action Hero. He’s got this.
The rest of this review can be found here!
I remember thinking, ‘UM… THIS CAN’T BE REAL. IT MUST BE A PRANK. A JOKE. A REALITY SHOW. RIGHT?!?’
So I said to Quint, ‘UM… THIS CAN’T BE REAL. IT MUST BE A PRANK. A JOKE. A REALITY SHOW. RIGHT?!?’
But it wasn’t.
Meet Jack Sullivan. Zombie hunter, monster slayer, late-blooming, slow-developing 13-year-old. He’s riding out the monster apocalypse from his tree house, and is doing his best to keep busy.
He’s set himself achievements, like:
Mad Hatter! – Steal the hats off five zombies.And, most importantly:
Outrun! – Beat a zombie in a footrace.
Say Cheese! – Take a photo with someone you knew before they got zombified.
House Hunter – Explore 50 different abandoned houses.
Damsel in Distress – Find and rescue love interest, June Del Toro.Of course, he needs to get back in touch with his best (only) friend Quint, and avoid being eaten by Blarg – the giant, intelligent monster that is hunting him down – but those are just details.
He’s Jack Sullivan, Post-Apocalyptic Action Hero. He’s got this.
The rest of this review can be found here!
August 23, 2019
I love monsters...zombies, giants, mutants....doesn't matter what kind. If a story has a monster in it....I'm gonna read it. Even when the book (technically) is written with children in mind, and not 50 year old grandmas. My teenager doesn't even get embarrassed anymore when I leave the library with stuff like "The Goo that Ate My Teacher.'' I can always say I'm checking it out for my grand kids (The closest one lives several states away....but shhhhh...don't tell). In all actuality, there are many, many adults who also enjoy children's books. For me, the stories are wonderful because I can get a favorite genre fix without the heavy themes and more adult situations. I review a lot of adult horror, thriller and suspense novels....and after a really gruesome tale, I just need something more....fun. Something that doesn't weigh me down. That's when I turn to books like this. I call it palate cleansing. Sometimes I just really, really need a fun story about middle school students surviving monsterpocalypse in their tree house. All the trauma of screwed up killer gone.....some nice laughs and smiles. Perfect.
This book is awesome! Seriously. I listened to the audio book version...but I also had the hardback on my TBR shelf. The physical book is full of fun illustrations and caricatures of the characters...it really adds to the humor. But the audio book is a fun experience too. Narrator Robbie Daymond gives a great performance! His voice is PERFECT!! This book would be great in a class room setting to coax reluctant readers or for supplemental reading. Kids who are more visual would love the illustrations in the physical book, and those who respond to a story teller would really enjoy the audio. Lots of action. Funny situations. Plus zombies and monsters. Although the kids are fighting the monsters, the emphasis is on their relationships, problem solving, and the humor. The book is not scary. Even the faint of heart where zombies are concerned could read this book with no nightmares.
The basics: The monsters took over 42 days ago. Jack Sullivan has been hiding out in his tree house ever since. Most people were zombified or evacuated to the west. Slowly Jack builds a group of the Last Kids left....and they hold out against the monsters at their fortified tree house.
Fun book! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! There are 4 books in the series, with a 5th book -- The Last Kids and the Midnight Blade -- coming out in September 2019. I have also heard that Netflix is going to do an original series based on the books (Publishers: could you maybe STOP putting huge white and red stickers on the front covers of books about upcoming film versions? It really messes up the cover art -- stick in a postcard ad, or wrap the book in plastic wrap with the sticker attached, or use a REMOVABLE sticker if you really must plonk it right in the middle of the artwork! Glad you are venturing forth into Netflix/other film versions.....but I hate stickers on my books....sticky spots were they were removed....or torn/damaged covers from trying to remove a permanent huge white and red sticker from the front of my book!) I will definitely watch the Netflix series! :) The first season of the animated show will premiere on Netflix September 17th, 2019!!
I highly recommend this book. The story is FUN! It made me smile and even laugh out loud, totally erasing the dark fog in my brain following a review of a pretty heavy adult thriller. On to the next book in the series -- The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade.
This book is awesome! Seriously. I listened to the audio book version...but I also had the hardback on my TBR shelf. The physical book is full of fun illustrations and caricatures of the characters...it really adds to the humor. But the audio book is a fun experience too. Narrator Robbie Daymond gives a great performance! His voice is PERFECT!! This book would be great in a class room setting to coax reluctant readers or for supplemental reading. Kids who are more visual would love the illustrations in the physical book, and those who respond to a story teller would really enjoy the audio. Lots of action. Funny situations. Plus zombies and monsters. Although the kids are fighting the monsters, the emphasis is on their relationships, problem solving, and the humor. The book is not scary. Even the faint of heart where zombies are concerned could read this book with no nightmares.
The basics: The monsters took over 42 days ago. Jack Sullivan has been hiding out in his tree house ever since. Most people were zombified or evacuated to the west. Slowly Jack builds a group of the Last Kids left....and they hold out against the monsters at their fortified tree house.
Fun book! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series! There are 4 books in the series, with a 5th book -- The Last Kids and the Midnight Blade -- coming out in September 2019. I have also heard that Netflix is going to do an original series based on the books (Publishers: could you maybe STOP putting huge white and red stickers on the front covers of books about upcoming film versions? It really messes up the cover art -- stick in a postcard ad, or wrap the book in plastic wrap with the sticker attached, or use a REMOVABLE sticker if you really must plonk it right in the middle of the artwork! Glad you are venturing forth into Netflix/other film versions.....but I hate stickers on my books....sticky spots were they were removed....or torn/damaged covers from trying to remove a permanent huge white and red sticker from the front of my book!) I will definitely watch the Netflix series! :) The first season of the animated show will premiere on Netflix September 17th, 2019!!
I highly recommend this book. The story is FUN! It made me smile and even laugh out loud, totally erasing the dark fog in my brain following a review of a pretty heavy adult thriller. On to the next book in the series -- The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade.
July 11, 2017
LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
A sort of chapter book-graphic novel hybrid, similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid in format, featuring ZOMBIES, and a hilarious protagonist. It’s like the trifecta of kid-lit AWESOME.
After a monster attack destroys the town of Wakefield and transforms most of its citizens into zombies, one of the last survivors is 13-year-old, Jack Sullivan, self-proclaimed “zombie-fighting, monster slaying, tornado of cool.” When Jack’s not battling the undead, he hangs in one of literature’s BEST settings: a treehouse complete with a crossbow, rocket launcher & flatscreen TV. My 9-year-old self is screaming with jealously (fuckkit, my 30-something self is envious).
During one of his daily fights for survival, which includes hand-to-hand combat with a ROLLING BALL OF ZOMBIE (yes, you read that right rolling. ball. of. zombie.) Jack manages to locate two of his fellow classmates. His scientist best friend…...and the School Bully. Yipes. Given this is the apocalypse and all, school tensions are thrown aside and the three join forces to rescue a fourth classmate who’s trapped in their decimated school. Problem is: it’s surrounded by a MASSIVE. ZOMBIE. HOARDE.
I’m not kidding when I say this book is funny. It’s LOL, side-splittingly hilarious the entire time. The scare-potential of the monsters is reduced by the humor and reluctant readers will find this book both compelling and accessible. This installment is the first in a series. The follow-up, The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade, has been released and a third book is headed our way in September. I book-talked it when I visited six local elementary schools in June and it’s been FLYING off our shelves. Kids LOVE it.
A sort of chapter book-graphic novel hybrid, similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid in format, featuring ZOMBIES, and a hilarious protagonist. It’s like the trifecta of kid-lit AWESOME.
After a monster attack destroys the town of Wakefield and transforms most of its citizens into zombies, one of the last survivors is 13-year-old, Jack Sullivan, self-proclaimed “zombie-fighting, monster slaying, tornado of cool.” When Jack’s not battling the undead, he hangs in one of literature’s BEST settings: a treehouse complete with a crossbow, rocket launcher & flatscreen TV. My 9-year-old self is screaming with jealously (fuckkit, my 30-something self is envious).
During one of his daily fights for survival, which includes hand-to-hand combat with a ROLLING BALL OF ZOMBIE (yes, you read that right rolling. ball. of. zombie.) Jack manages to locate two of his fellow classmates. His scientist best friend…...and the School Bully. Yipes. Given this is the apocalypse and all, school tensions are thrown aside and the three join forces to rescue a fourth classmate who’s trapped in their decimated school. Problem is: it’s surrounded by a MASSIVE. ZOMBIE. HOARDE.
I’m not kidding when I say this book is funny. It’s LOL, side-splittingly hilarious the entire time. The scare-potential of the monsters is reduced by the humor and reluctant readers will find this book both compelling and accessible. This installment is the first in a series. The follow-up, The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade, has been released and a third book is headed our way in September. I book-talked it when I visited six local elementary schools in June and it’s been FLYING off our shelves. Kids LOVE it.
March 12, 2019
Yikes-Town! I was really enjoying this until the protagonist called "dibs" on a girl as if she was an object he could claim ownership over and not an actual human being with agency over her own feelings.
Did his friend tell him that's not how "girls work?" Sure. But this was not a strong reaction and the protagonist did not back down from this bullshit stance until his friend proved to him that he was not trying to steal "his girl." GROSS.
The silver lining is - I read this for a tween book club and you can bet your toxic-masculinity britches that we are going to be discussing this moment at length. Men are not entitled to a girl's affections or attention, in any capacity for any reason and it's shit like this that makes them think otherwise. It is glossed over in the text and that is not good enough. Not near enough.
Did his friend tell him that's not how "girls work?" Sure. But this was not a strong reaction and the protagonist did not back down from this bullshit stance until his friend proved to him that he was not trying to steal "his girl." GROSS.
The silver lining is - I read this for a tween book club and you can bet your toxic-masculinity britches that we are going to be discussing this moment at length. Men are not entitled to a girl's affections or attention, in any capacity for any reason and it's shit like this that makes them think otherwise. It is glossed over in the text and that is not good enough. Not near enough.
April 14, 2021
This was a cute middle grade story and I can definitely see why so many kids love it. I would have loved it too if I read this back then! Something about seeing someone your age slaying monsters and surviving during the apocalypse is very empowering, LOL.
The reason I didn’t rate this higher was because (1) I felt like there were a couple of comments in the narrative that objectified women/girls, which I didn’t appreciate. It got much better when the girl character, June, was actually on page—it seemed like the main character was brought to realize that Wow! Girls Are People Too! They Even Have Their Own Thoughts, Goals, and Desires! I’m not sure if that was intentional on the authors part but I hope it continues in the next books.
The other issue I had was (2) there were a few pop culture references in this book that reminded me that the author is a grown ass man and may not be as connected to ~the youth~ as he thinks. Maybe I’m not giving kids enough credit, but are the Three Stooges widely known amongst the younger end of Gen Z? Do kids know what it means to be “Liam Neeson-y”? Maybe they do and *I’m* actually the one that’s not connected to ~the youth~ anymore.
Regardless, this is overall a fun story for middle school aged kids and I’m definitely interested to see how the author expands this world and builds on the story.
The reason I didn’t rate this higher was because (1) I felt like there were a couple of comments in the narrative that objectified women/girls, which I didn’t appreciate. It got much better when the girl character, June, was actually on page—it seemed like the main character was brought to realize that Wow! Girls Are People Too! They Even Have Their Own Thoughts, Goals, and Desires! I’m not sure if that was intentional on the authors part but I hope it continues in the next books.
The other issue I had was (2) there were a few pop culture references in this book that reminded me that the author is a grown ass man and may not be as connected to ~the youth~ as he thinks. Maybe I’m not giving kids enough credit, but are the Three Stooges widely known amongst the younger end of Gen Z? Do kids know what it means to be “Liam Neeson-y”? Maybe they do and *I’m* actually the one that’s not connected to ~the youth~ anymore.
Regardless, this is overall a fun story for middle school aged kids and I’m definitely interested to see how the author expands this world and builds on the story.
October 1, 2021
Представете си “Живите мъртви” във вариант за 10-13 годишни. Много яко приключение с авнтюристичен оптимист, умен смотльо, бабаит с добро сърце и девойка в беда(или по-точно девойка беда)🤣 Директно подхващам втората книга ♥️
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars ...
Having seen the super fun Netflix series, I knew what to expect going into this. And I was not disappointed! I enjoyed it tremendously (totally laughed-out-loud multiple times 😆). Also, my inner-12-year-old absolutely loved these shenanigans ... and, around my house, when he's happy we're all happy! 👍😁👍 If you're lucky enough to still be in touch with your inner-12-year-old, check this series out ... and the Netflix show! 😉
Having seen the super fun Netflix series, I knew what to expect going into this. And I was not disappointed! I enjoyed it tremendously (totally laughed-out-loud multiple times 😆). Also, my inner-12-year-old absolutely loved these shenanigans ... and, around my house, when he's happy we're all happy! 👍😁👍 If you're lucky enough to still be in touch with your inner-12-year-old, check this series out ... and the Netflix show! 😉
August 7, 2022
A post-apocalyptic party with zombies, monsters, and laughs aplenty!
This was fantastic fun! It had lovely illustrations that brought to life an already lively story. The protagonist and narration was humorous throughout though not to an extreme. There were moments that did justice to the solemn truth of the post-apocalyptic backdrop and that added unexpected depth to this story.
The ragtag bunch of characters got along swimmingly by the end and their bonding also added another layer of depth to the story. Along with the creative fighting and the game-like aspects of it, this was a book that took on the craziness of a wave of zombies and rode it out like the success it was.
This was fantastic fun! It had lovely illustrations that brought to life an already lively story. The protagonist and narration was humorous throughout though not to an extreme. There were moments that did justice to the solemn truth of the post-apocalyptic backdrop and that added unexpected depth to this story.
The ragtag bunch of characters got along swimmingly by the end and their bonding also added another layer of depth to the story. Along with the creative fighting and the game-like aspects of it, this was a book that took on the craziness of a wave of zombies and rode it out like the success it was.
October 15, 2025
Review to follow
January 27, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5
The end of the world has never been more fun. This blend of a traditional chapter book and a graphic novel was a delight to read, although it is easily not for everyone mainly because of the corny humor and the main character Jack's over-the-top personality. It started out quite strong for me, since it had many of the characteristics of many of my comfort middle-grade books: quick pacing, outrageous eyeroll-worthy decisions, and cartoonish characters. However, things got a little old towards the end, although it isn't really the book's fault since this is targeted towards a much younger audience than I am a part of. This is honestly the perfect story to turn into an animated series, which it has been, and I highly recommend the Netflix adaptation for some light-hearted mind-numbing entertainment.
The end of the world has never been more fun. This blend of a traditional chapter book and a graphic novel was a delight to read, although it is easily not for everyone mainly because of the corny humor and the main character Jack's over-the-top personality. It started out quite strong for me, since it had many of the characteristics of many of my comfort middle-grade books: quick pacing, outrageous eyeroll-worthy decisions, and cartoonish characters. However, things got a little old towards the end, although it isn't really the book's fault since this is targeted towards a much younger audience than I am a part of. This is honestly the perfect story to turn into an animated series, which it has been, and I highly recommend the Netflix adaptation for some light-hearted mind-numbing entertainment.
July 8, 2022
Thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan had not had a brilliant life so far. He was an orphan, shunted from one foster family to the next, no home nor family to call his own, and – because of continually having to change schools whenever he changed foster parents – few friends. However, the lack of certainty or support in his life, had made Jack very adaptable. And against the odds, Jack always looked for positives, and was a generally happy chappy. That meant, that when the zombie apocalypse arrived, Jack was better suited than most to survive – and even to thrive – in the new world.
At the first sign of trouble, Jack’s latest foster parents had scarpered – leaving Jack behind, alone, in the tree house:
Jack’s way of coping with the new life, is to see it as a video game, with challenges to complete, thereby earning trophies and achievements. He has a list of 106 (and growing) feats still to be accomplished, (with photographic proof) hopefully culminating in
But first he has to find out whether his one and only friend, Quint, (a nerdish teenage inventor and super-brain) is still alive – AND escape the evil clutches of Blarg. Blarg is not the only monster in town – just one of the most intelligent – and the one that has a personal vendetta against Jack. There are also Dozers, Winged Wretches, Vine-Thingies – and don’t for a minute forget the Zombies!
The story is wonderfully illustrated – a graphic novel with more text than usual – and very fast paced. When reading it, you feel that you too are in a video game, bouncing all over the place, smashing monsters with your shattered baseball bat, and careering down the streets Mad Max fashion in Big Mama. If you have to take a break, it is like hitting the pause button on your games console.
Jack’s continual optimism in the face of adversity, his ingenuity and perseverance are all amazing. You get the feeling that if life ever gave Jack lemons, he wouldn’t just make lemonade, he would create a world-wide billion-dollar corporation producing everything lemon related – and more.
This zombie and monster infested world is not one that many would want to live in, but for Jack it is the best he’s ever had.
Jack – and his friends (each in their own way) – are fantastic characters, that I really want to read more about. The prose is witty, the graphics great, and the story so exciting – what more could you want? Very, very highly recommended.
PS: another great quote:
At the first sign of trouble, Jack’s latest foster parents had scarpered – leaving Jack behind, alone, in the tree house:
“Now, why does a thirteen-year-old need a tree house that’s better-defended than Fort Knox, Stark Tower, and the X-Mansion combined? Because a MASS of zombie hordes and monster brutes have taken over Wakefield (and, as far as I know, the whole freaking world)!”
Jack’s way of coping with the new life, is to see it as a video game, with challenges to complete, thereby earning trophies and achievements. He has a list of 106 (and growing) feats still to be accomplished, (with photographic proof) hopefully culminating in
“FEAT: Damsel in Distress.
Find and rescue love interest, June Del Toro”
But first he has to find out whether his one and only friend, Quint, (a nerdish teenage inventor and super-brain) is still alive – AND escape the evil clutches of Blarg. Blarg is not the only monster in town – just one of the most intelligent – and the one that has a personal vendetta against Jack. There are also Dozers, Winged Wretches, Vine-Thingies – and don’t for a minute forget the Zombies!
The story is wonderfully illustrated – a graphic novel with more text than usual – and very fast paced. When reading it, you feel that you too are in a video game, bouncing all over the place, smashing monsters with your shattered baseball bat, and careering down the streets Mad Max fashion in Big Mama. If you have to take a break, it is like hitting the pause button on your games console.
Jack’s continual optimism in the face of adversity, his ingenuity and perseverance are all amazing. You get the feeling that if life ever gave Jack lemons, he wouldn’t just make lemonade, he would create a world-wide billion-dollar corporation producing everything lemon related – and more.
“I mean – look, it’s terrible,’ I say, all serious now. ‘But I’m not gonna just give up. Some days are way scary, yeah. And sometimes things are pretty freaking sad. But I’m trying real, real hard here to keep on living and enjoying every moment. With friends.’” - and an awesome pet monster, Rover
This zombie and monster infested world is not one that many would want to live in, but for Jack it is the best he’s ever had.
“This tree house isn’t just any old tree house. It’s my home. For the first time in my life I have a real, permanent home. And Quint and June and Dirk – for the first time in my life, I have real friends. Permanent ones. Not-going-anywhere ones. A family. Everything I was ever jealous of – everything those other kids had, when I felt like a crummy orphan. Well, now I have it.”
Jack – and his friends (each in their own way) – are fantastic characters, that I really want to read more about. The prose is witty, the graphics great, and the story so exciting – what more could you want? Very, very highly recommended.
PS: another great quote:
“I won’t lie – June’s hand on mine is basically the greatest thing since sliced pizza.”
March 27, 2017
I bought this book for one of my little sisters this past Christmas and she didn't read it, so I was like, fine. I'll read it. Apocalypse is big right now and so are sassy male leads like Percy Jackson. Jack Sullivan is a sassy male lead and this book is about an apocalypse. The thing that makes this series different is that it is illustrated, not like most kids books where there is a picture that goes along with the text - in The Last Kids on Earth, the pictures are a part of the story, maybe a comic book/ novel crossover? I can't imagine how much planning it took to get the text and images to line up correctly so the image could be an appropriate size and fit in the right spot of the story so the words in the picture continue it.
As an adult reading this, I could predict most of what was going to happen and the plot didn't get my heart racing, but I think as a kid, I would have enjoyed this a lot more.
As an adult reading this, I could predict most of what was going to happen and the plot didn't get my heart racing, but I think as a kid, I would have enjoyed this a lot more.
January 18, 2016
Received a copy at BEA 2015 - now is this the kind of book I would usually pick up? No, and if it were straight text I would have skipped it but the graphics broke up the story put a clever pace on the end of the world story that I found it entertaining and engaging.
The YA crowd should love this rag tag bunch who manage to stay alive on their own --- barely.
The YA crowd should love this rag tag bunch who manage to stay alive on their own --- barely.
November 13, 2025
DNF @ p46
Pre-Read Notes:
I have really enjoyed middle grade fare lately, especially illustrated novels and graphic novels. The Netflix series based on this book is continuing this season, congrats to the writers!
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I really did not like the writing here. I didn't like the narrative voice or the narrative worldview. This is written for middle graders, who tend to be less discerning than I am. So that's probably good.
Since this copy isn't accessible, it's pretty hard on my eyes to read it. Since I'm not enjoying it, I decided to DNF this one.
A Few Things:
✔️ Holy cow this is terrible advice: "I learned a long time ago that it’s best to try not to worry so much about the junk life shovels on you. Life tries to knock you one— just do your best to duck and keep moving. The way I see it, someone’s always got it worse, right?" p33 Repress your pain because someone else always has it worse? First that's a great way to die of an aneurysm. And also, stop telling people in pain to measure their pain before complaining. We already do, every second. And also, *this* is how you tell kids to deal with any emotion? Awesome. Awesome.
✔️ "I mean, unless you’re the last person on Earth. Then , technically , yeah, no one has it worse." p33 Um what about all those dead people dude? I'm just...not able to enjoy spending time inside a head this myopic, and no it's not because the main character is a kid. It's because the author thinks kids are myopic and writes them that way.
Content Notes: repression, emotional immaturity, sexism, misogyny, damsel in distress trope, ableism, ableist language, infantilization, gaslighting, foster system, loss of parents
Thank you to Max Brallier, Penguin Young Readers Group, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
I have really enjoyed middle grade fare lately, especially illustrated novels and graphic novels. The Netflix series based on this book is continuing this season, congrats to the writers!
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I really did not like the writing here. I didn't like the narrative voice or the narrative worldview. This is written for middle graders, who tend to be less discerning than I am. So that's probably good.
Since this copy isn't accessible, it's pretty hard on my eyes to read it. Since I'm not enjoying it, I decided to DNF this one.
A Few Things:
✔️ Holy cow this is terrible advice: "I learned a long time ago that it’s best to try not to worry so much about the junk life shovels on you. Life tries to knock you one— just do your best to duck and keep moving. The way I see it, someone’s always got it worse, right?" p33 Repress your pain because someone else always has it worse? First that's a great way to die of an aneurysm. And also, stop telling people in pain to measure their pain before complaining. We already do, every second. And also, *this* is how you tell kids to deal with any emotion? Awesome. Awesome.
✔️ "I mean, unless you’re the last person on Earth. Then , technically , yeah, no one has it worse." p33 Um what about all those dead people dude? I'm just...not able to enjoy spending time inside a head this myopic, and no it's not because the main character is a kid. It's because the author thinks kids are myopic and writes them that way.
Content Notes: repression, emotional immaturity, sexism, misogyny, damsel in distress trope, ableism, ableist language, infantilization, gaslighting, foster system, loss of parents
Thank you to Max Brallier, Penguin Young Readers Group, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH. All views are mine.
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October 23, 2025A cleverly drawn, choppily-written graphic novel about a zombie apocalypse aimed at white boy readers with het instincts. The girl is the only one in the story, and she manages to be sexualized, sigh. There's one Black kid (the best character, actually) and a bully to be converted to Our Team.
I would have liked it a lot more if there had been more kids, and less joking about porn, etc. But at the same time, boys who are reluctant readers might enjoy the heavy emphasis on gross stuff, and the use of weapons against the zombies.
I would have liked it a lot more if there had been more kids, and less joking about porn, etc. But at the same time, boys who are reluctant readers might enjoy the heavy emphasis on gross stuff, and the use of weapons against the zombies.
October 8, 2020
„Последните деца на земята“ беше една от безплатните промоционални книжки, които издателство Artline Studios бяха пуснали на сайта си преди дни.
Макар и детска, книгата се оказа изненадващо увлекателна и интересна. Свежа, разтоварваща и много забавна. Главният герой Джак Съливан е страхотен образ. Цялата история е изпълнена с огромно количество хумор, който струи почти от всяка страница. И въпреки цялата комедия, съпътстваща Джак и приятелите му, докато се сражават с огромни чудовища и купища зомбита, в книгата са засегнати и малко по-сериозни теми, като семейството и приятелството.
Макар и детска, книгата се оказа изненадващо увлекателна и интересна. Свежа, разтоварваща и много забавна. Главният герой Джак Съливан е страхотен образ. Цялата история е изпълнена с огромно количество хумор, който струи почти от всяка страница. И въпреки цялата комедия, съпътстваща Джак и приятелите му, докато се сражават с огромни чудовища и купища зомбита, в книгата са засегнати и малко по-сериозни теми, като семейството и приятелството.
March 25, 2023
3.5 stars
yk the feeling when you were 13 years old and you thought you could change the world even though you were barely passing Social Studies; this is that book.
yk the feeling when you were 13 years old and you thought you could change the world even though you were barely passing Social Studies; this is that book.
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April 13, 2020ג'ק בן ה-13 וחבריו מנסים לשרוד בעיירה שהותקפה בידי זומבים ומפלצות ענקיות וגם להציל את הילדה שהוא אוהב (ולא אוהבת אותו).
זה לא המתים המהלכים אבל ספר נוער טיפשי ומשעשע במידה הנכונה.
זה לא המתים המהלכים אבל ספר נוער טיפשי ומשעשע במידה הנכונה.
February 4, 2019
Max Brallierin "Maailman viimeiset tyypit" (WSOY, 2019) on toiminnantäyteinen varhaisnuorten romaani, jota on mainostettu lauseella "Neropatin päiväkirja kohtaa Walking Deadin", ja onpa takakanteen saatu kehuva sitaatti Jeff Kinneylta.
Vauhtia ja vaarallisia tilanteita piisaa kun kolmetoistavuotias Jack ystävineen yrittää selviytyä hengissä hirviöiden kansoittamassa kotikaupungissaan ja pelastaa samalla ihastuksensa kohteen. Vaikka mukana on zombeja ja muuta kauhukuvastoa, on pääpaino kuitenkin huumorilla, joka ei kyllä ole näin aikuislukijasta mitenkään erityisen oivaltavaa tai ratkiriemukasta. Ripaus kunnianhimoa ei muutenkaan olisi tehnyt kirjalle haittaa, sen verran kliseisiä polkuja tallataan.
No, lukipa kirjan kuitenkin ihan kivutta, ja uskon kohderyhmän voivan innostua romaanista, viimeistään siinä vaiheessa kun Netflix-sarja ilmestyy kuvioihin.
Suomennos ei miellyttänyt minua kaikilta osin. Meihemi? Ja miksi ihmeessä kurvipallo, kun kierteinenkin on olemassa?
Suositellaan nelos-viitos-kuutosille ja miksei vielä seiskoillekin? Nykyisellään on tuntunut, että kirjavinkatessa saa suht isoillekin koululaisille ottaa mukaan aika lapsekkaita kirjoja (tyyliin viitoset lukevat Risto Räppääjiä ja Elloja).
Vauhtia ja vaarallisia tilanteita piisaa kun kolmetoistavuotias Jack ystävineen yrittää selviytyä hengissä hirviöiden kansoittamassa kotikaupungissaan ja pelastaa samalla ihastuksensa kohteen. Vaikka mukana on zombeja ja muuta kauhukuvastoa, on pääpaino kuitenkin huumorilla, joka ei kyllä ole näin aikuislukijasta mitenkään erityisen oivaltavaa tai ratkiriemukasta. Ripaus kunnianhimoa ei muutenkaan olisi tehnyt kirjalle haittaa, sen verran kliseisiä polkuja tallataan.
No, lukipa kirjan kuitenkin ihan kivutta, ja uskon kohderyhmän voivan innostua romaanista, viimeistään siinä vaiheessa kun Netflix-sarja ilmestyy kuvioihin.
Suomennos ei miellyttänyt minua kaikilta osin. Meihemi? Ja miksi ihmeessä kurvipallo, kun kierteinenkin on olemassa?
Suositellaan nelos-viitos-kuutosille ja miksei vielä seiskoillekin? Nykyisellään on tuntunut, että kirjavinkatessa saa suht isoillekin koululaisille ottaa mukaan aika lapsekkaita kirjoja (tyyliin viitoset lukevat Risto Räppääjiä ja Elloja).
January 13, 2020
We got our son his first @ gift card for Christmas this year so he would have the chance to pick his very own books and feel proud for paying for them on his own. He spent a lot of time browsing the aisles and made me do about thirty laps before making his final decision.
The Last Kids on Earth box set.
This story is very cute and definitely something I would recommend for any middle grade child. Middle schoolers fighting zombies and monsters and living off video games and junk food in their home made tree house. What could be bad about that? I love the creativity of these stories and the different adventures that the author takes the kids on. While yes, these kids are brushing their teeth with Mountain Dew and swinging a Louisville slicer, there some positive lessons in each book. For example, female empowerment and girls not needing to be the damsel in distress and the importance of friendship.
I would rate reading level a little higher than a Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there are sill drawings (which are sick) but they force you to read the chat bubbles and text as they flow with the story
The Last Kids on Earth box set.
This story is very cute and definitely something I would recommend for any middle grade child. Middle schoolers fighting zombies and monsters and living off video games and junk food in their home made tree house. What could be bad about that? I love the creativity of these stories and the different adventures that the author takes the kids on. While yes, these kids are brushing their teeth with Mountain Dew and swinging a Louisville slicer, there some positive lessons in each book. For example, female empowerment and girls not needing to be the damsel in distress and the importance of friendship.
I would rate reading level a little higher than a Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there are sill drawings (which are sick) but they force you to read the chat bubbles and text as they flow with the story
October 5, 2019
Persönliche Meinung
Leider wurde mir dieses Buch für eine Online Aktion als Comic verkauft, weshalb ich schon vor dem lesen (als ich das Buch per Post bekam) etwas enttäuscht war… Nun gut, hab es trotzdem gelesen, da es cool klang, aber relativ schnell gemerkt, dass ich wirklich nicht die Zielgruppe bin und dies nicht ein Buch ist, zu welchem ich privat gegriffen hätte.
ABER für Kids ab 10 die gerne Gregs Tagebuch, oder mein Favorit Julius Zebra, mögen, für die ist Jack der Monsterschreck genau das Richtige!
Mir gefielen die Zeichnungen besser als der Text, ich fand die Bilder richtig gut und als gelungene Ergänzung zum Text.
Die Geschichte ist rasant, kurzweilig und actiongeladen und voller Witz und Humor. Der Comic Roman eignet sich sowohl zum selbst lesen als auch zum Lesen mit der Familie.
Ich werde nicht weiterlesen, würde aber gerne einmal in die Netflix Adaption reinschauen.
Fazit: Ich fands okay, Kinder finden es sicher besser
Leider wurde mir dieses Buch für eine Online Aktion als Comic verkauft, weshalb ich schon vor dem lesen (als ich das Buch per Post bekam) etwas enttäuscht war… Nun gut, hab es trotzdem gelesen, da es cool klang, aber relativ schnell gemerkt, dass ich wirklich nicht die Zielgruppe bin und dies nicht ein Buch ist, zu welchem ich privat gegriffen hätte.
ABER für Kids ab 10 die gerne Gregs Tagebuch, oder mein Favorit Julius Zebra, mögen, für die ist Jack der Monsterschreck genau das Richtige!
Mir gefielen die Zeichnungen besser als der Text, ich fand die Bilder richtig gut und als gelungene Ergänzung zum Text.
Die Geschichte ist rasant, kurzweilig und actiongeladen und voller Witz und Humor. Der Comic Roman eignet sich sowohl zum selbst lesen als auch zum Lesen mit der Familie.
Ich werde nicht weiterlesen, würde aber gerne einmal in die Netflix Adaption reinschauen.
Fazit: Ich fands okay, Kinder finden es sicher besser
February 7, 2016
This book is heavily flawed - but Brallier's enthusiastically out-there writing, the illustrations and how enveloping and easy The Last Kids on Earth is to read should definitely encourage you to try this out for yourself. At times, the unrealistic and episodic handling of these kids' emotions (their nerves should be shot to hell in a practical warzone where parents are nowhere to be seen) bogs down the quality of this otherwise marvelous kids' book, but I highly doubt both the target audience and anyone over the age limit willing to go on a rip-roaring adventure with four extremely likable young 'uns, is looking for realism. It's about freaking monsters and zombies, after all. But, yeah, recommended. The Walking Dead meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a fair comparison to make; and just as entertaining. :D
July 12, 2024
A zombie apocalypse for tweens. If you have young testosterone driven children in your life, this story about Max, Quint, Dirk & June and how they come together to live in a tree house and fight monsters (at what may be the end of the world) may be for you.
Even though I am not the intended audience for this, I can see its appeal for those who like or are fascinated with zombies and monsters or reluctant tween and young teen readers who like heavily illustrated chapter books.
Even though I am not the intended audience for this, I can see its appeal for those who like or are fascinated with zombies and monsters or reluctant tween and young teen readers who like heavily illustrated chapter books.
January 16, 2016
An interesting new start to a series that focuses on an orphan, Jack, who is trying to stay alive and slay monsters in post-apocalyptic Wakefield. There are zombies and monsters but surprisingly few adults in this town but don't worry--these kids have no problems creating ingenious ways of protecting themselves.
March 15, 2019
Pe la trei dimineața am învățat câteva lucruri utile („valabile” pentru Apocalipsa Monștrilor):
- Biscuiții Oreo sunt buni chiar și atunci când sunt expirați;
- Iron Man nu e real, dar Robert Downey Jr. este;
- „Fetele furioase sunt mai înspăimântătoare decât orice bestie”;
- „Mirosul de băieți e mai rău decât mirosul de zombie”;
- Monștrilor nu le place să fie înjunghiați în frunte.
- Biscuiții Oreo sunt buni chiar și atunci când sunt expirați;
- Iron Man nu e real, dar Robert Downey Jr. este;
- „Fetele furioase sunt mai înspăimântătoare decât orice bestie”;
- „Mirosul de băieți e mai rău decât mirosul de zombie”;
- Monștrilor nu le place să fie înjunghiați în frunte.
November 10, 2019
Read this with my 8 year old son. He loved the action, the monsters and funny dialogue. Some light horror elements for kids with the Monsters and Zombies but nothing that would keep most kids up at night. Every scary element is followed by something funny. A fun read. Looking forward to the next book.
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