The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade

July 15, 2016
Thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan and his crew of monster-fighting besties are fresh off their victorious battle against the evil Blarg, but there's no rest for the weary in the middle of a Monster Apocalypse. First, Joe's Pizza has become the local monster hangout. And second, the zombies seem to be disappearing. Thankfully, the white boy, his not-so-secret Latina love, June Del Toro, his African-American, science-nerd best friend, Quint, and pre-apocalypse bully-turned-ally Dirk, a large white boy who loves to garden, befriend a man-monster who might have the answers to everything. Equal parts humor, adventure, and warmth, the book offers fans of the series and new readers alike an entirely agreeable outing. Jack's witty narration and Holgate's pitch-perfect illustrations make for a terrific read that's particularly well suited for middle-grade boys who might otherwise be reluctant to pick up a book. There are plenty of foul-smelling, brain-sucking monsters and gizmos and gadgets to delight, but at its core, this is a story about friendship. Orphaned at birth and raised by a foster family he describes as jerks, Jack has always longed for a family of his own. Now that he has one, the only thing scarier than the monsters is the thought of losing them. An apocalyptic adventure with a whole lot of heart. (Horror. 8-12)

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October 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-Readers met 13-year-old abandoned foster kid-turned-monster slayer Jack Sullivan and his adolescent makeshift army in The Last Kids on Earth. In this excellent sequel, the zombies are mysteriously disappearing. As the zombies walk in droves toward a shrieking sound, their brains are being sucked out of their skulls. While no fan of the undead, Jack and his squad set out to solve the mystery. New alliances are formed and trusts are broken, culminating in an all-out monster brawl to save their world. The continuation of this hybrid series capitalizes on gross-out fun. The realistic writing style keeps the narrative moving at a fast pace, while the frenzied pencil artwork supports its humorous tone. But what distinguishes this adventure is the character development. The members work through their fears of loss, abandonment, and loneliness to unite as a family. The language is sophisticated, geared toward readers who enjoy rousing adventures. The open ended conclusion allows for the possibility of more exciting exploits. A gallery highlighting various nefarious creatures is an added treat. VERDICT For fans of the first book, this sequel does not disappoint. This series is a must-have for middle grade collections.-Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

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