Last Pick

September 10, 2018
Sam and her twin brother, Wyatt, now 16, lost their parents when aliens arrived on Earth three years ago and abducted everyone from 16 to 65 whom they believed could be useful (“We were left behind because we were either too young, too old, or too ‘disabled’ ”). Since then, Sam and Wyatt have resisted the occupation by infiltrating warehouses to rebuild alien communication technology and redistribute needed goods. After the aliens return and Wyatt acquires one of their transmitters, the kids become more ambitious, hoping to save humankind—along the way, people of all ages and abilities (a radio jockey, a band of fierce seniors) pitch in. Although the text avoids specific labels, Wyatt seems to be on the spectrum, and the art draws readers into his experiences. Clearly lined, uncluttered drawings by Walz (Homesick) focus on the action and characters, and skillful use of color indicates shifts in time: blue-grays for the past and earth tones for the present. Messages about valuing all humans (from an author’s note: “Whatever the world sees as ‘different’ is exactly what the world needs”) add meaningful layers to this fast-paced adventure featuring a cast of likable heroes and creepy, memorable aliens. Ages 12–up. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group.

October 1, 2018

Gr 5-8-Twins Sam and Wyatt were children when the aliens took everyone between the ages of 16 and 65 except for those with disabilities, who were deemed weak or useless. Wyatt sees the world differently than his neurotypical sister, and together, the two try to discover where the invaders have taken their parents. When the aliens return to collect more people, the duo know it's time to fight back. Walz uses muted grays and greens to depict the dystopian environment on Earth, and a blue palette for flashback scenes, which fill in some much-needed world-building and character development. This is an action-packed story with compelling art and dialogue and a cliff-hanger ending; many readers will finish the book in a single sitting. The aliens are appropriately scary (with gaping, toothy maws and menacing red eyes), and themes of love, loyalty, and acceptance are effectively conveyed. VERDICT A strong pick for reluctant readers. Give to fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix's "Shadow Children" series or Mark Siegel's "5 Worlds" books.-Jenni Frencham, formerly at Columbus Public Library, WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2018
Aliens invade, abducting almost everyone.In this high-octane graphic novel series opener, creepy extraterrestrials have overrun Earth, deploying gargantuan robot "scoopers," collecting people ages 16 to 65. However, in addition to leaving children and the elderly, the aliens have also left behind anyone they deem useless, like the "disabled." Sixteen-year-old Sam and her twin brother, Wyatt, are in hiding, trying to rebuild the aliens' abandoned technological devices in order to ascertain where their parents might be located. With the help of a rough-and-tumble band of senior citizens, the twins make their way through an eerily analogous--albeit alien-run--landscape. Though never explicitly stated, Wyatt is seemingly on the spectrum. While sister Sam has always served as his protector, in a dramatic turn of events at one point in the story, it is up to Wyatt to become the hero. Cartoonist and teacher Walz (A Story for Desmond, 2015, etc.) tells his reader, "you might be surprised to find that whatever the world sees as 'different' is exactly what the world needs more of." Here he has created a masterful sci-fi tale with relatable characters, skillful worldbuilding, and cinematically designed illustrations that convey his message. Colorist Proctor has employed a muted earth-toned palette, using color to help easily distinguish flashbacks from present action. Sam and Wyatt are both white and fair-haired. Secondary characters are widely diverse in physical ability, age, and skin color.Awesome. (author's note) (Graphic science fiction. 12-18)

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Starred review from September 15, 2018
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Three years ago, aliens invaded the Earth and took most of its inhabitants, leaving behind only those who are too old, too young, or too disabled. It's in this dystopian nightmare that Sam and her twin brother, Wyatt, who exhibits characteristics associated with autism, find themselves, as they scavenge the wastelands, looking for ways to communicate with those taken and, in the process, providing hope to their fellow humans still left on Earth. But the aliens underestimated the resourcefulness of the humans they left behind, particularly Sam and Wyatt, who are throwing a monkey wrench into the aliens' nefarious plans. Although Walz's toned-down violence, young-looking protagonists, and invitingly cartoonish artwork might make this seem, at first glance, like a middle-grade comic, his bleak tone, cinematic pacing, well-�developed characters, and sophisticated, balanced narrative make it better suited for a YA audience. Walz begins chapters with impressive flashback scenes, rendered in a more muted palette, which not only provide interesting backstory to further readers' investment in the twin protagonists but seamlessly transition to the story in the present. Strong character development, atmospheric art, villainous aliens, snappy banter, cheerworthy protagonists, and well-executed suspense should give this lots of broad appeal. Hand to fans of Jeff Smith's Bone (2004) or Paul Pope's Battling Boy (2013).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Color by Jon Proctor. Years ago, everyone "useful" was taken away by aliens to an unknown place, leaving the young, elderly, and disabled. Now teens, Sam and her twin brother Wyatt (who seems to be on the autism spectrum) find themselves in a unique position to help whoever is left--and hopefully find their parents. Walz's emotively illustrated graphic novel puts a heartfelt spin on the alien-takeover scenario.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)