brandolph's review
4.0
This is a really well written story. I’m not one for graphic novels or sci-fi, but I really liked this. It was action packed, the characters were great, and the illustrations were a perfect complement to the story. I love how this book emphasizes the power of the ‘rejects’, the ones everyone thinks are useless, and not worth a second glance. This is the first of a trilogy, and I cannot wait for the next one.
racheldallaire's review
4.0
I loved the bond between Sam and Wyatt in this graphic novel. I also loved the survival amidst a post-apocalyptic alien-invaded landscape story. Last Pick is fast paced and full of heart. My favorite thing is the author's note and portrayal of how we need to embrace and see the value in those who are different (due to age, neurology, disability, etc). I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Content considerations: There is some language, but I personally feel it is appropriate for a younger teen on up. There's also themes of loss and some violence (between aliens and humans).
Content considerations: There is some language, but I personally feel it is appropriate for a younger teen on up. There's also themes of loss and some violence (between aliens and humans).
lispylibrarian's review
4.0
The world has been invaded by aliens that abduct teenagers and children from their families, people who are identified as "strong," and loaded up into robots that are taken to other planets (I assume). In this particular graphic novel, the two main characters, Sam and Wyatt, are twins who are trying to help other people from their town while searching for their parents. Wyatt, who has autism, classifies the aliens and helps Sam escape them. The two deliver food and supplies to other people under the code name "Bird One." When the aliens trick them by using a video of their parents to lure them to them, one of them is taken and the other has to find a way to save them on their own.
While the plot took a while to pick up, I enjoyed this graphic novel. The theme of working together and looking past weaknesses is one that really shines through the illustrations. The people of Elizabethtown learn to work together despite their differences to rally against the aliens that are ripping their families apart.
While the plot took a while to pick up, I enjoyed this graphic novel. The theme of working together and looking past weaknesses is one that really shines through the illustrations. The people of Elizabethtown learn to work together despite their differences to rally against the aliens that are ripping their families apart.
jennguare's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gellyreads's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
misterintensity's review against another edition
4.0
Aliens have taken everyone from the ages of 16-64 except for those they have deemed useless, usually children, the elderly, and the disabled. Soon to be 16 year old twins Sam and Wyatt, a genius who has Asperger's, are determined to find out where the aliens have taken their parents. Their actions attract the attention of the aliens. Wow, this is one suspenseful book. Walz does a great job in keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. The suspense of this book is effective because he makes you care about the characters. At the heart of the book is the relationship between Wyatt and his sister Sam. With their parents gone, they are all they have left. They make an amazing team who frustrates the aliens during their outings. While it's simple to say that Wyatt is the brains and Sam is the brawn, their relationship is more complex than that. Through a series of flashbacks which take place before and shortly after the invasion, readers get a look at their relationship with each other and with their parents, as well as a glimpse of the world as it was before the invasion. Along the twins' journey they encounter interesting characters who are trying to survive the post-invasion world. Walz's artwork is clear and does a great job at capturing action as well as capturing the characters' emotions. You experience the characters' feelings as they experience their victories and setbacks. Even the aliens are very emotive and are surprisingly vivid characters. Last Pick being the first of a trilogy ends in a cliffhanger that makes anticipate what happens in the next book.
dana_naylor's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
I enjoyed the drawings and the author’s note.
I’m curious how the story will continue.
I’m curious how the story will continue.
reviewsfromabookworm's review against another edition
2.0
The story itself is okay and will be great for the intended target audience. I just personally am not a fan of the art style, which lessens my enjoyment of it.