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Last Pick #3
Last Pick: Rise Up
Earth's last hope are also the last picked, in this thrilling conclusion of Jason Walz's dystopian graphic trilogy.
Wyatt is now the reluctant leader of the "last picked"—the disabled, the elderly, and those deemed too young to be useful for hard labor by their alien captors. But how can he and his ragtag allies take down an entire alien federation?
Meanwhile, Wyatt's twin sister Sam and her girlfriend Mia are creating chaos all over the galaxy in an attempt to rescue Sam's parents. But even if the family is reunited, can they stay alive long enough to see the end of the alien regime?
Wyatt is now the reluctant leader of the "last picked"—the disabled, the elderly, and those deemed too young to be useful for hard labor by their alien captors. But how can he and his ragtag allies take down an entire alien federation?
Meanwhile, Wyatt's twin sister Sam and her girlfriend Mia are creating chaos all over the galaxy in an attempt to rescue Sam's parents. But even if the family is reunited, can they stay alive long enough to see the end of the alien regime?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
2 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
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September 20, 2020
Holy shit this was action-packed. A solid if tear-jerking ending.
Everything came full circle, and honestly I can't say much more than that without mega spoilers.
If you enjoyed the first two books, you'll like this one. It was a solid alien invasion adventure with a heaping dash of Independence Day thrown into the mix.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Everything came full circle, and honestly I can't say much more than that without mega spoilers.
If you enjoyed the first two books, you'll like this one. It was a solid alien invasion adventure with a heaping dash of Independence Day thrown into the mix.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
Jason Walz began the Last Pick series with a promise to deliver a powerful story. The artwork captured me right away, as did my identification with Walz as a teacher who wishes to advocate for representation and empowerment of students with diverse abilities. Walz was even kind enough at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic to stop by and conduct a virtual visit with my students.
In the second entry in the series, the action and engaging storyline continued and here we find the end of the trilogy. It is with some sadness that I approach the end of the story not because I was in any way disappointed with this conclusion (quite the opposite), but because I know this is the finish of this part of the story (unless Walz finds a way to continue the narrative).
I love the action, the detail in Walz's style, and the way he has taken us through Sam and Wyatt's story. This is a graphic novel that's woven together with entertainment and a well-placed message about the true power each of us carry as individuals and as a community. I can't wait to read more of Walz's work (in fact, I'm planning to revisit some of his earlier books next on my reading list).
Bravo for this book and the entire series. I can't wait for this book to land in the hands of young readers who are hungry for a science fiction adventure that packs an emotional and narrative punch.
In the second entry in the series, the action and engaging storyline continued and here we find the end of the trilogy. It is with some sadness that I approach the end of the story not because I was in any way disappointed with this conclusion (quite the opposite), but because I know this is the finish of this part of the story (unless Walz finds a way to continue the narrative).
I love the action, the detail in Walz's style, and the way he has taken us through Sam and Wyatt's story. This is a graphic novel that's woven together with entertainment and a well-placed message about the true power each of us carry as individuals and as a community. I can't wait to read more of Walz's work (in fact, I'm planning to revisit some of his earlier books next on my reading list).
Bravo for this book and the entire series. I can't wait for this book to land in the hands of young readers who are hungry for a science fiction adventure that packs an emotional and narrative punch.
August 13, 2022
5 stars! The best trilogies not only start strong, but keep getting stronger with each installment rather than simply meeting par for consistency's sake. This one made me cry! One of the best done graphic novel stories I've had the pleasure of reading in a while, with some fantastic social commentary to boot. I'll probably have to reread these one day.
July 1, 2020
Rise Up is the third & final installment into the #lastpick world and releases on Oct. 6. Those who haven’t read the other two will need to in order to understand this #graphicnovel
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Wyatt, our hero, is now the leader of the “last picked”, which includes the disabled, elderly and those too young for hard labor. They must battle the alien federation so they can be free, but can they win?
🚀
This #YA #book has it all: lots of action/adventure, sweet moments, family connection, #lgbtq, #autism & handicap-able representation to name a few. This whole #series is a hit in my #library. Can’t wait to add this to my collection! Thank you @netgalley for an ARC.
🚀
Wyatt, our hero, is now the leader of the “last picked”, which includes the disabled, elderly and those too young for hard labor. They must battle the alien federation so they can be free, but can they win?
🚀
This #YA #book has it all: lots of action/adventure, sweet moments, family connection, #lgbtq, #autism & handicap-able representation to name a few. This whole #series is a hit in my #library. Can’t wait to add this to my collection! Thank you @netgalley for an ARC.
July 25, 2020
Despite not having read the first two books in this series, once I got into this story, it held me tight and didn't let go until the end.
The Last Pick are those who aren't worth taking, according to the aliens who have invaded earth to find labor for their labor camps. They are the disabled, the old, the young, those with mental or physical problems.
And of course, the heroes are those who were last picked, and left behind. Those who figure the secret that the aliens are keeping from their own people.
Good story, but go and read the other two first, or else you will feel as though you walked in on Act 3 of a three act play.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The Last Pick are those who aren't worth taking, according to the aliens who have invaded earth to find labor for their labor camps. They are the disabled, the old, the young, those with mental or physical problems.
And of course, the heroes are those who were last picked, and left behind. Those who figure the secret that the aliens are keeping from their own people.
Good story, but go and read the other two first, or else you will feel as though you walked in on Act 3 of a three act play.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 4, 2021
Now that book three is out, find this trilogy and dive in. It had been so long since I had read books one and two I had forgotten a few points! Of course, that also can mean you have to read them again! The conclusion of this modern space-cowboys (of all genders, sexes and races) comes to a slightly disappointing ending for this reader, but the overall series gives this book its rating.
October 9, 2021
Not quite everything I’d hoped for, and certainly some things I wasn’t expecting, but a very satisfying conclusion. Wonderful story that I’ve really enjoyed.
February 7, 2022
Awesome finish to an awesome series!
February 6, 2021
What great ride!
August 12, 2020
Note: This is the third book in the series and should be read as such. I did read this one without diving into the others first and was confused the first chapters. In other words, this book should not be read as a stand-alone.
Wyatt and his group of friends are determined to find a way to the hyperport but first need to get the map. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Sam, is out with her group in an attempt to rescue their parents from an alien prison. But even if the two of them fulfill their missions and meet up, they still need to find a way to stop the alien regime. That's not an easy task for anyone, let alone misfits like them.
I was looking forward to sinking myself into a science fiction graphic novel, and this one definitely had an interesting surmise. This book takes the most unexpected heroes and places them at the center of an action packed, space adventure. Not only are children, elderly, and anyone else deemed as 'incapable' now the last hope for humanity, but this book hits many other groups as well. The diversity of cultures is clear, but it doesn't even stop there. The alien friends are just as bullied as their human counterparts, and there's even some LBGTQ thrown into the mix, too.
The tale is a fun and quirky weave of action, tension, and humor. Each character holds their very own personality, and each one has an oddity or rough edge. Some are likable, while others are obviously evil. Still, the author tosses in a bit of snark and almost slap-stick like humor at times. It gives the entire story an unexpected twist, which guarantees to keep boredom away. But then, with the amount of danger and sticky situations these heroes run into, boredom isn't exactly something which pops in often, anyway.
The illustrations flow with a wonderful pace, keeping the plot interesting while still allowing needed character depth and enough emotion to keep the reader engaged. There were a few times when things seemed to slow down, but these moments picked up right away and lead to the next adventure.
There's a wonderful sense of family and friendship, which gives the tale heart. While this is sold as a novel for young adults, I can easily see older middle graders enjoying it quite a bit as well. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley.
Wyatt and his group of friends are determined to find a way to the hyperport but first need to get the map. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Sam, is out with her group in an attempt to rescue their parents from an alien prison. But even if the two of them fulfill their missions and meet up, they still need to find a way to stop the alien regime. That's not an easy task for anyone, let alone misfits like them.
I was looking forward to sinking myself into a science fiction graphic novel, and this one definitely had an interesting surmise. This book takes the most unexpected heroes and places them at the center of an action packed, space adventure. Not only are children, elderly, and anyone else deemed as 'incapable' now the last hope for humanity, but this book hits many other groups as well. The diversity of cultures is clear, but it doesn't even stop there. The alien friends are just as bullied as their human counterparts, and there's even some LBGTQ thrown into the mix, too.
The tale is a fun and quirky weave of action, tension, and humor. Each character holds their very own personality, and each one has an oddity or rough edge. Some are likable, while others are obviously evil. Still, the author tosses in a bit of snark and almost slap-stick like humor at times. It gives the entire story an unexpected twist, which guarantees to keep boredom away. But then, with the amount of danger and sticky situations these heroes run into, boredom isn't exactly something which pops in often, anyway.
The illustrations flow with a wonderful pace, keeping the plot interesting while still allowing needed character depth and enough emotion to keep the reader engaged. There were a few times when things seemed to slow down, but these moments picked up right away and lead to the next adventure.
There's a wonderful sense of family and friendship, which gives the tale heart. While this is sold as a novel for young adults, I can easily see older middle graders enjoying it quite a bit as well. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley.
October 5, 2020
Rise Up is the third (and final) book in the Last Pick series by Jason Walz. It is currently scheduled for release on October 6 2020. I do recommend reading this series in order. Wyatt is now the reluctant leader of the "last picked"—the disabled, the elderly, and those deemed too young to be useful for hard labor by their alien captors. But how can he and his ragtag allies take down an entire alien federation? Meanwhile, Wyatt's twin sister Sam and her girlfriend Mia are creating chaos all over the galaxy in an attempt to rescue Sam's parents. But even if the family is reunited, can they stay alive long enough to see the end of the alien regime?
Rise Up is a good continuation, and conclusion, to this story. Wyatt and Sam have their own crisis to resolve, and finally come together for the grand showdown. All the remaining major players are involved, and there is a great deal of hope and sacrifice on almost every page. There was a good deal of action and suspense, with some dark moments that left me worried that I would not enjoy the ending. The art style and skill in story telling was on par with the two previous installments, and the conclusion was satisfying with just about everything wrapped up. I am not sure if I was not ready for the story to wrap up that quickly, but I felt like there was so much that the story wanted to tell cramped in the last book. It worked, and it told the story well, but it felt like there was so much to keep track of at the end, who was where and what their role n the showdown was. I am sad to see this story end, and am very glad that I took the time to read it through to the end.
Rise Up is a solid conclusion to the series. Well resolved story with plenty of action, angst, and hope.
Rise Up is a good continuation, and conclusion, to this story. Wyatt and Sam have their own crisis to resolve, and finally come together for the grand showdown. All the remaining major players are involved, and there is a great deal of hope and sacrifice on almost every page. There was a good deal of action and suspense, with some dark moments that left me worried that I would not enjoy the ending. The art style and skill in story telling was on par with the two previous installments, and the conclusion was satisfying with just about everything wrapped up. I am not sure if I was not ready for the story to wrap up that quickly, but I felt like there was so much that the story wanted to tell cramped in the last book. It worked, and it told the story well, but it felt like there was so much to keep track of at the end, who was where and what their role n the showdown was. I am sad to see this story end, and am very glad that I took the time to read it through to the end.
Rise Up is a solid conclusion to the series. Well resolved story with plenty of action, angst, and hope.
October 6, 2020
Things are a bit tense for Sam, Wyatt, and the rest of the kids and rejects trying to save the Earth from the alien invasion. Wyatt is trying to find vital information for the plan to save the Earth with Avida and the alien Jackie, while Sam and Mia are liberating alien prisons in an attempt to find Sam’s parents. The reject kids and humans still on Earth are trying to rally enough people to put up a resistance when Wyatt’s plan works (hopefully). It is all a long shot with how powerful the aliens are and how few resources the humans have effective against them.
This was a satisfactory conclusion to the series. It bends a little more to the realistic side than the feel good side of endings though. I have a feeling some will be upset by certain not so happy events. I like the way the series focuses on how the people that may have challenges physically or mentally are not to be discounted. They can still save the Earth. Recommended for alien abduction story fans who also like graphic novels and lots of diversity in characters.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: One minor swear. There’s a little peck of a kiss between a guy/girl couple and some hugging between a girl/girl couple. A kid also asks parents for more information about sexual relations at a future date. There’s several battles between aliens and humans (and aliens vs aliens) that does result in some fatalities (not shown, just implied with explosions, etc.) and injuries (very, very little blood shown). One alien threatens to dissect a human at one point.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a satisfactory conclusion to the series. It bends a little more to the realistic side than the feel good side of endings though. I have a feeling some will be upset by certain not so happy events. I like the way the series focuses on how the people that may have challenges physically or mentally are not to be discounted. They can still save the Earth. Recommended for alien abduction story fans who also like graphic novels and lots of diversity in characters.
Notes on content [based on the ARC]: One minor swear. There’s a little peck of a kiss between a guy/girl couple and some hugging between a girl/girl couple. A kid also asks parents for more information about sexual relations at a future date. There’s several battles between aliens and humans (and aliens vs aliens) that does result in some fatalities (not shown, just implied with explosions, etc.) and injuries (very, very little blood shown). One alien threatens to dissect a human at one point.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2020
A few years ago, aliens arrived on Earth and took every able-bodied person between the ages of 16 and 65. In the previous book, Wyatt’s twin sister Sam was taken after they turned 16. Wyatt, who is on the autism spectrum, teamed up with the disabled, the elderly, and the young people who were left behind in order to go and rescue their loved ones who were taken from Earth. Meanwhile, there is a virus that is infecting the aliens and making them sick. Wyatt has to travel to another planet to rescue his sister and his parents.
This is a great conclusion to this series. Disability is an important theme to this series. People with disabilities were left behind on Earth, rather than being taken by the aliens to do work for them. The aliens misjudged the people with disabilities, as well as the young and older people, to be weaker than everyone else. Instead, these people used their unique skills to rise up and fight against the aliens.
The graphics were a little confusing during the fight scenes in this story. It may have just been in my advanced copy, but there were a lot of the same colours, such as greens and pinks, which made it difficult to differentiate between aliens and their spaceships. This slowed down my reading and made it a little confusing at times.
I highly recommend this middle grade graphic novel series.
Thank you First Second for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great conclusion to this series. Disability is an important theme to this series. People with disabilities were left behind on Earth, rather than being taken by the aliens to do work for them. The aliens misjudged the people with disabilities, as well as the young and older people, to be weaker than everyone else. Instead, these people used their unique skills to rise up and fight against the aliens.
The graphics were a little confusing during the fight scenes in this story. It may have just been in my advanced copy, but there were a lot of the same colours, such as greens and pinks, which made it difficult to differentiate between aliens and their spaceships. This slowed down my reading and made it a little confusing at times.
I highly recommend this middle grade graphic novel series.
Thank you First Second for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
The final book in the Last Pick trilogy does not disappoint! Wyatt is finding his voice in the entire series and in this book he continues that journey. He confidently puts down stereotypes, and redefines special education from what it is perceived as to what it actual is. He bonds with other characters about being different and not fitting in on the outside and inside. Sam continues on her journey as well, she is not defined by being a girl and her family embraces her relationship with Mia the second they meet her. The way Jason portrays characters is amazing. They are themselves and are not defined by their abilities/disabilities or neurodiversities, but they own the characteristics. Often times it took me a few pages to realize that a character was diverse and I had to look back. It was beautiful to see characters that get to whole people and not just people with a disability.
Jason has been writing these books for years (I have been following along on social media), his message about neurodiversities making people different and special is beautiful. Differences make us strong and who we are is so poignant at this time. If we, as a world, can come together they way these characters can, we can change the world. Kids can change the world, this book is great motivation for them to do so.
Jason has been writing these books for years (I have been following along on social media), his message about neurodiversities making people different and special is beautiful. Differences make us strong and who we are is so poignant at this time. If we, as a world, can come together they way these characters can, we can change the world. Kids can change the world, this book is great motivation for them to do so.
November 9, 2020
The third book in the Last Pick series is finally here! Last Pick is a sci fi trilogy where Earth has been taken over by a cruel alien race; they've taken countless humans as slave labor across the universe, but the disabled; the elderly; the too young are left behind. These "last picked" have banded together to fight the alien menace, and Wyatt - a teen boy with autism - is at the head of the revolution. His sister, Sam, has been sent off into the stars, but she's been fomenting revolution, too, with her new girlfriend, Mia; an underground freedom radio broadcaster. In this final chapter of the trilogy, everything that's been put into motion over the last two books is coming together, and the aliens won't know what hit them. The artwork ad action explode off the page while the very human story of resistance, family, and burgeoning romance keep the reader turning pages. This is one of the best sci-fi series in recent years, with intense, smart portrayals of characters who are left behind and how take charge to save a planet. I recently took part in a graphic novels panel, Librarians Love Comics!, and one of my colleagues mentioned how much he liked this series, so don't just take my word for it. Last Pick is librarian-approved.
October 5, 2020
I LOVED this conclusion to the Last Pick trilogy. The artwork was just as good as the first two (though since this was an ARC, I didn't get all of the art, but that's ok, the words were still there and I was able to follow the storyline) and the characters were just as scrappy and determined. It might seem strange, but my favorite character was Jackie. I don't want to get too into his story arc, but it brought a tear to my eye.
The ending, was bittersweet. It fit, but darn if I didn't want the whole HEA!
I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling it for others. There is diversity, there is sadness, there is love. I highly recommend these three books. Middle grade to higher I would say, though I always advise adult review before passing onto the younger ones. My idea of appropriate and your idea of appropriate might differ. There is violence, off-page death and a "puppy love" straight and LGBTQ younger couple.
I absolutely loved each book and will definitely be recommending it in my store. 5, absolutely incredible, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The ending, was bittersweet. It fit, but darn if I didn't want the whole HEA!
I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling it for others. There is diversity, there is sadness, there is love. I highly recommend these three books. Middle grade to higher I would say, though I always advise adult review before passing onto the younger ones. My idea of appropriate and your idea of appropriate might differ. There is violence, off-page death and a "puppy love" straight and LGBTQ younger couple.
I absolutely loved each book and will definitely be recommending it in my store. 5, absolutely incredible, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
The first two parts had several moments where we were able to get to know these characters. The time frame of them lasted months, at least, and gave us glimpses of what life in this post-alien invasion universe was like. Not this one. This one is all action. And that's not bad.
This is a good wrap-up and closer to this trilogy. It gives all of our major characters, and a ew minor ones, endings that feel earned and "right." Sometimes these are joyful, sometimes these are tragic. But they all feel as if they were the endings the story has been building to the entire time. The art is good, just like the previous two books. The characters feel realistic. And the theme, that those who seem to be the "lest" in society have worth (and in this case, save the day for Earth) is a good one.
One caveat: The book does very little to catch you up on what is going on. So if you have not read the previous two entries, you will want to do so first. But then come back to this for a satisfying conclusion to this story.
This is a good wrap-up and closer to this trilogy. It gives all of our major characters, and a ew minor ones, endings that feel earned and "right." Sometimes these are joyful, sometimes these are tragic. But they all feel as if they were the endings the story has been building to the entire time. The art is good, just like the previous two books. The characters feel realistic. And the theme, that those who seem to be the "lest" in society have worth (and in this case, save the day for Earth) is a good one.
One caveat: The book does very little to catch you up on what is going on. So if you have not read the previous two entries, you will want to do so first. But then come back to this for a satisfying conclusion to this story.
October 6, 2020
I remember riding the school bus in primary school and there was an older girl who sneered at me and said, “I *hate* people who are quiet.” I don’t even know why or what I did. I couldn’t have been more than ten, but I remember till today how I felt, trying so hard to shrink even smaller, to push myself lower down in my seat. I felt completely and utterly alone. In Jason Waltz third installment, we return to Wyatt, Sam, Tia, and Jackie—the outcasts, the bullied, the differently abled, but, now, the no-longer-alone. The epic battle for Earth rages on, but the kids will not allow themselves to be defeated—not without a fight. Even though the setting is alien (literally), the message about acceptance and belonging rings clearly on every page. I was in tears at the end. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to pick up this series and pass it along to anyone who has ever felt like they don’t matter. They do.
June 17, 2023
It’s really 4.5 stars but 5 since a) GR doesn’t do halfsies and b) it is better than the previous in series.
This is it, the final title in the humans vs. aliens series featuring extraterrestrial despots who kidnapped and enslaved all earthlings age 16-65, leaving behind anyone too young or old and anyone who has a disability.
Siblings Sam and Wyatt were split up at the end of the first volume. Book 2 had Sam and her girlfriend Mia escaping the mining colony and working to locate their parents while brother Wyatt, who had been on earth but made it to outer space to gather resources needed for the revolution, is working his way back home.
The action pace is non-stop, and so much is told with the images that one must read each panel to get all the details. The best part of this series, the reason why I’ll champion it to every middle school student I know, is for Waltz’s representation of people with disabilities of all kinds.
This is it, the final title in the humans vs. aliens series featuring extraterrestrial despots who kidnapped and enslaved all earthlings age 16-65, leaving behind anyone too young or old and anyone who has a disability.
Siblings Sam and Wyatt were split up at the end of the first volume. Book 2 had Sam and her girlfriend Mia escaping the mining colony and working to locate their parents while brother Wyatt, who had been on earth but made it to outer space to gather resources needed for the revolution, is working his way back home.
The action pace is non-stop, and so much is told with the images that one must read each panel to get all the details. The best part of this series, the reason why I’ll champion it to every middle school student I know, is for Waltz’s representation of people with disabilities of all kinds.
June 22, 2020
This is the third, and final, book is the Last Pick trilogy. This is geared toward upper middle grade and younger YA (11-14 y/o). You definitely need to read the first two books otherwise you will not understand to what is happening. Twins Sam and Wyatt are still waging their own individual wars against the aliens that invaded Earth and stole their parents. The main missions are to find their parents, and other humans that were kidnapped, as well as broadcast to the aliens that there is a vaccine for a horrible mutation disease. There is a lot of action, which is fun, as well as some sad and heartfelt moments. I think the way Wyatt is portrayed as a young teen on the spectrum is realistic. This trilogy is a fun, sci-fi adventure! #Netgalley
April 10, 2022
The conclusion to a trilogy of graphic novels is a final battle between the 'useless' people of earth who somehow managed to capture the planet-crossing robotic-spaceships of the invading aliens, and use it against them. The twins were reunited, but both now more developed on their own and with their new found friends and community, and they quickly found the need to pull their resources to defeat the invaders once and for all.
While it was an expected finale that managed to answer most questions and bring the story to a conclusion, I found this again to be rushed and simplistic. I guess this is still a kind of compliment to the first book in this series that got me me to look for the sequels, but it could have been more interesting (or maybe not).
While it was an expected finale that managed to answer most questions and bring the story to a conclusion, I found this again to be rushed and simplistic. I guess this is still a kind of compliment to the first book in this series that got me me to look for the sequels, but it could have been more interesting (or maybe not).
July 29, 2020
I received an ARC through NetGalley from First Second Books. This is the 3rd and final book in the YA dystopian/sci-fi graphic novel series Last Pick. The interstellar war is in full upheaval and Wyatt and Sam are fighting to find their parents and save Earth and the world. I was pleasantly surprised by this whole series. The characters are unique, diverse and evolve well through the series. The aliens are funny, engaging and even sinister. There are strong relationships between characters that represent honesty of the self well. This easily swings middle grade. Illustrations are fab. A worthwhile series to pick-up and finish.
Read
September 23, 2020Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of Last Pick: Rise Up. This is every bit as fast-paced and full of heart as previous volumes, and a satisfying end that fulfills the redemption arc of my favorite alien. I love way characters reclaim their disabilities and reject the deficit mentality that the wider social order has set them up for, and the cute touch of queer romance warms my heart. Hopeful without being cloying, this is an excellent choice for any middle school or middle grade collection.
October 4, 2021
These were so great. I loved this whole series. Fantastic art and a story that moves. The story splits at some point and follows both siblings, but it wasn't confusing and the author did a great job keeping both sides balanced.
I really enjoy monsters so that is what drew me to this book, but I loved the concept as well. Never underestimate those around you. Those who may appear to be weak on the outside could have considerable strength inside. Treat everyone like they are worth something.
In the end, I'm a BIRD ONE fan!
I really enjoy monsters so that is what drew me to this book, but I loved the concept as well. Never underestimate those around you. Those who may appear to be weak on the outside could have considerable strength inside. Treat everyone like they are worth something.
In the end, I'm a BIRD ONE fan!
December 25, 2020
I really could have used a "last time on" review. I don't remember the previous books very well, and didn't have them handy to re-read. This book does not stand alone; a lot of the emotional beats depend on the reader remembering what came before. I didn't always know what was going on.
That said, the artwork is fun, the story is very disability-positive, and the pacing was good. It was a pretty quick read.
Content note for major character deaths.
That said, the artwork is fun, the story is very disability-positive, and the pacing was good. It was a pretty quick read.
Content note for major character deaths.
July 27, 2020
While this was my least favorite of the trilogy, I loved the trilingual a whole. This was by far the most action-packed of the story, but for me it was also the hardest to follow. I absolutely loved how everything came together though, and am so excited to share this series with the teens as my library
October 6, 2020
Rise Up is the third and final book in the Last Pick trilogy, and it brings this exciting story to a very satisfying conclusion. Filled with action and amazing artwork, you're going to love how things turn out for our unlikely heroes if you like good stories. If you liked the first two books, pick up this one and buckle your seatbelts!
December 19, 2020
Last Pick: Rise Up is a worthy conclusion to the Last Pick Trilogy. Action-packed — and with an inclusive set of characters — Last Pick: Rise Up shows a side of humanity that we need to see more of — the willingness to work together to defeat a common foe. Also - I loved the tiny shout out to another MN authored series - CatStronauts.
March 19, 2021
Man, this totally made me cry--twice! This series really went in some unexpected directions, and I find myself very impressed with Jason Walz and eager to read more by him! If you're looking for a fun sci-fi action/adventure series with a lot of depth and a lot of heart, as well as a little humor, this would be a great bet!
April 7, 2021
The ending felt a little rushed and I didn't expect a certain thing to happen, but overall I think this was a decent ending to this series! I still loved the characters. The "rejects" save the day and the clean up can begin. This was such a well done series and I will definitely recommend it to kids looking for a new graphics series to try out!
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