Last Kids on Earth Book Series: Ultimate Apocalyptic Fun
Imagine a video game loving kid living in a cool tree fort after a monster apocalypse hit town. That’s the irresistible hook behind The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, a bestselling New York Times and USA Today author whose books have also caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal. This wildly popular book series blends laugh-out-loud humor, big thrills, and genuinely epic stakes in a world overrun by hordes of zombies, evil monsters, and the occasional eerily intelligent monster with otherworldly powers.
At the center of the story is average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan, a normal human kid. Jack Sullivan suddenly finds himself in a full-blown zombie apocalypse. Instead of panicking, Jack turns survival into an adventure: he raids abandoned stores, builds a cool tree fort, stockpiles an endless supply of Oreos, and dreams of making his own comic book about his life. Alongside his best friends (and a few crew of monster buddies, including his pet monster Rover), Jack proves that surviving the entire world falling apart might actually be… a good thing.
With a mixture of text and bold white illustration styles that will feel familiar to fans of Jeff Kinney, these books read like a mash up of a graphic novel and a fast-paced chapter book. Think post-apocalyptic survival meets slapstick comedy, with bigger laughs, big thrills, and set pieces like epic snowball battles, wild flight scenes, and even a chase that feels like real-life Mario Kart. If your family loved Captain Underpants, Dog Man, or Bad Guys, these will be a hit too (promise).
At the heart of The Last Kids on Earth series is average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan, a normal human kid who rises to the challenge of a full-blown zombie apocalypse with humor, creativity, and surprising leadership. Jack is joined by his best friends; Quint Baker, his brilliant but dorky best friend with a love for gadgets; June Del Toro, the fearless and fiercely capable fighter who often keeps the group grounded; and Dirk Savage, the former reformed middle school bully whose strength and loyalty make him a crucial part of the team. Along the way, they’re joined by a crew of monster buddies, including Jack’s loyal pet monster Rover, proving that even in a world overrun by hordes of zombies and evil monsters, friendship, teamwork, and a little bravery can turn a group of kids into true heroes.
About the Author: Max Brallier
Max Brallier is the creative force behind The Last Kids on Earth books, a series that has become a staple for kids who love action, humor, and monsters. Known for his sharp comedic timing and imaginative world-building, Brallier creates stories that balance postapocalyptic quest energy with heartfelt moments about friendship, courage, and becoming a true leader. His work’s popularity is backed by major lists like the New York Times and USA Today, and praised in outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
Brallier’s writing shines in how he makes terrifying things—like a skeleton army, a villainous Thrull, or a destructor of worlds, feel both epic and accessible for younger readers. The result is a series that’s funny, fast, and surprisingly emotional, all while delivering essential Last Kids story moments book after book.
What Ages Are These Books For?
The Last Kids on Earth series is generally geared toward ages 8–12, but it’s a hit with a wider range. Younger readers love the humor, monsters, and graphic novels style presentation, while older kids (and even adults) appreciate the clever writing, layered villains, and ongoing story arcs. If your child enjoys adventure, comedy, and stories that feel like playing an action-packed game, this series is an easy feat win. I really enjoyed reading these with my kids as well!
Who Will Love These Books?
These books are perfect for:
Kids who love video games, action, and monster stories
Readers who enjoy best buddies dynamics and a dynamic duo vibe
Fans of Jeff Kinney–style humor mixed with adventure
Kids who like short stories, comics, or illustrated novels
Readers who want laughs, bigger laughs, and big thrills in every chapter
If your child enjoys stories with a reformed middle school bully, a dorky best friend, old allies, and lots of ridiculous but heroic plans, they’ll feel right at home in Jack Sullivan’s world.
The Last Kids on Earth Books in Order
1. The Last Kids on Earth
After a monster apocalypse wipes out civilization, thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan turns survival into an adventure from his epic tree house. He reunites with his friends Quint, June, and Dirk and starts building a team to take on zombies and monsters. Life almost feels like a video game—until they realize the monsters are getting smarter and more dangerous. The group’s first real mission proves that staying alive will take more than just junk food and bravado.
2. The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade
The kids face a terrifying new threat when zombies begin acting in organized, unnatural ways. Strange glowy vine-thingies and zombie-controlling powers point to a much bigger danger behind the scenes. As the group investigates, they’re forced to work together more seriously than ever before. Jack starts to understand that leadership means making hard choices, not just cracking jokes.
3. The Last Kids on Earth and the Nightmare King
A powerful new villain known as the Nightmare King emerges, bringing fear and destruction with him. The kids discover a mysterious tower and uncover clues about a much larger monster world beyond their own. With eerie sounds, dangerous battles, and an unexpected twist, the stakes rise dramatically. This book marks a turning point where the adventure becomes a true fight for the future.
4. The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond
The story expands beyond Earth as Jack and his friends learn that the monster threat is part of something much bigger and more dangerous. They encounter new enemies, strange worlds, and shocking truths about where the monsters come from. The group must face fears they didn’t even know they had. The series shifts from survival to a full-scale battle against cosmic-level danger.
5. The Last Kids on Earth and the Midnight Blade
A legendary weapon known as the Midnight Blade becomes the key to fighting the growing evil. Jack and his friends go through intense training and dangerous trials to prove they’re ready for what’s coming. New allies and old enemies complicate their mission. The group begins to realize that winning this war will require sacrifice, not just courage.
6. The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road
The team travels the deadly Skeleton Road, a place crawling with traps, monsters, and a terrifying skeleton army. Every step forward tests their trust in one another and their ability to work as a true team. The journey is just as dangerous as the enemies they face. By the end, they’re stronger, but also aware of how high the cost of failure could be.
7. The Last Kids on Earth and the Doomsday Race
The kids are forced into the Doomsday Race, a chaotic, high-speed competition filled with deadly obstacles and monstrous opponents. The race feels like real-life Mario Kart—but with much higher stakes. Strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking matter more than brute strength. Winning isn’t just about glory—it could change the fate of their world.
8. The Last Kids on Earth and the Forbidden Fortress
A dangerous mission leads the group to the mysterious Forbidden Fortress, a place tied to powerful monster secrets. As they explore, they uncover truths that challenge what they thought they knew about their enemies. Old threats return, and new ones emerge. The line between friend and foe becomes more complicated than ever.
9. The Last Kids on Earth and the Monster Dimension
The team travels into the Monster Dimension, where reality works differently and danger is everywhere. They encounter bizarre creatures and shocking revelations about the nature of monsters and their world. The journey tests their courage, loyalty, and sense of right and wrong. Nothing feels simple anymore, and every choice carries huge consequences.
10. The Last Kids on Earth and the Destructors Lair
Jack and Quint are trapped in the Monster Dimension! Their mission: prevent Rezzoch the Ancient, Destructor of Worlds, from reaching Earth and annihilating civilization. To do this, they must secure an audience with a creature more mysterious than any other. It's a race against time—and a race through the monster dimension!
Why This Series Works So Well
What makes The Last Kids on Earth special is the balance: scary monsters, yes—but also heart, humor, and friendship. Jack’s relationship with his best buddies, his growth into a true leader, and the way even a reformed middle school bully can become a hero give the story real emotional weight. Add in monsters like the Louisville Slicer, wild villains, and constant surprises, and you get a series that keeps kids begging for the next book.
If you’re looking for books that combine post-apocalyptic survival, comedy, friendship, and nonstop action, The Last Kids on Earth is a fantastic choice. With its mixture of text and illustrations, memorable characters like June Del Toro, Douglas Holgate, and Dirk Savage, and villains ranging from the Nightmare King to the evil Thrull, this series delivers laughs, heart, and adventure in equal measure.
For kids who love monsters, humor, and stories that feel like stepping into their favorite game, this series is more than just fun—it’s an experience they won’t want to end.
