Last Pick: Born to Run

by Jason Walz

Overview

In Last Pick: Born to Run, the second volume of his graphic novel series, Jason Walz pairs vivid world-building and fast-paced adventure in a beautiful story of bravery, sacrifice, and sibling devotion.

Four years ago, aliens kidnapped most of mankind, leaving behind those they deemed unworthy—the “last picked.”

The future for Sam is bleak and unthinkable. A galaxy away from her twin brother, she is a pawn in the aliens’ bloody civil war. But with her new friend Mia, Sam has found a way to resist her captors and hold onto her humanity.

Back on Earth, Sam’s twin, Wyatt, is leading a resistance of his own. With a ragtag army of the old, the young, and the disabled, he has a plan to bring the fight to his alien captors. But to defeat the aliens, Wyatt may need to befriend one.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626728936
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	10/08/2019
Series:	Last Pick , #2
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	620,684
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Jason Walz is a cartoonist and illustrator living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the creator of the Eisner nominated graphic novel Homesick, the online comic anthology Crap Shoot, and several short story comics. His many years teaching in special education continue to shape his life and the stories he wants to tell.

Editorial Reviews

12/13/2019

Gr 5 Up—Walz continues his trilogy set in a postapocalyptic world ruled by alien overlords. Several years ago, extraterrestrials arrived, abducting those they decided were useful and leaving behind the very old and young, as well as those with disabilities. At the close of the first installment, Last Pick, 16-year-old twins Sam and Wyatt were split up. Sam was taken to another planet and forced to hunt aliens alongside other human prisoners, but she's set on returning home. Wyatt, who appears to be on the autism spectrum, was deemed unworthy of capture and left on Earth, where he has joined forces with others determined to free the planet from alien rule. Compelling action may draw readers into the story, but those who haven't yet read the first book may be lost. Relying on smooth, clear lines and a muted palette, Walz brings two worlds to life—the greens and blues of the alien world contrast well with the browns and yellows of Earth and make it easier to switch between story lines. References to TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer may confound younger readers. Some readers may object to the portrayal of disabled people as lesser, and the aliens' descriptions of them ("broken," "useless," "crippled") may be troubling to some. VERDICT An additional purchase where the first installment is popular.—Jenni Frencham, Indiana University, Bloomington

School Library Journal

★ 2019-08-28
With his sister apprehended by aliens, neurodiverse Wyatt must lead a team to save Earth.

In the follow-up to Last Pick (2018), evil extraterrestrials have taken or killed all those between 16 and 65, leaving only the young, the elderly, and anyone they consider "useless," like those who have a disability. Wyatt (who appears to be on the spectrum) is trying to figure out how to lead his sister Sam's resistance effort after her capture. Off in outer space, Sam is struggling in the alien compound, ordered to exterminate an opposing alien race. Despite all this, Wyatt and Sam have commonplace teenage issues: Wyatt has a blossoming relationship with mauve-haired Harper, who is deaf, and Sam shares a confusing kiss with her best friend, Mia. Their storylines converge into one pulse-pounding cliffhanger, leaving readers positively frenzied for the promised conclusion. Walz's art is cinematic in scope, shifting from adrenaline-inducing action scenes to evocative facial close-ups. His economic prose creates many sequences that are largely wordless. Colorist Proctor adds dazzling splashes of embellishment amid a purposefully drab landscape for a striking effect. Walz's cast of characters is richly diverse, portraying characters of myriad skin tones, ages, neurodiversity, and abilities, like a white adult who has one leg and uses a wheelchair; Latinx Mia, whose mother was an immigrant; and a brown-skinned resistance fighter with cerebral palsy. Wyatt and Sam are white.

An extraordinary sequel that is thrilling, inclusive, and unforgettable. (Graphic science fiction. 12-15)

Kirkus Reviews

A fun and inspiring story (with great art) about how the most overlooked people in society are often its biggest heroes. A must-read for any kid feeling left out.” —James Breakwell, author of Only Dead on the Inside and Bare Minimum Parenting

"Walz's art is cinematic in scope, shifting from adrenaline-inducing action scenes to evocative facial close-ups...An extraordinary sequel that is thrilling, inclusive, and unforgettable." —Kirkus, starred review

“With daring escapes and heroic actions, this installment ratchets up the action with constant threats and higher stakes, but Walz still takes time to deepen his characters . . . A great pick for kids who have outgrown Ben Hatke's Mighty Jack series.” —Booklist

Last Pick:

A Kirkus Reviews Best YA Science Fiction of 2018 Selection

"Will appeal to kids who’ve come to love cartoons that have many of the same messages, from Steven Universe to Gravity Falls." —Paste Magazine

“A masterful sci-fi tale with relatable characters, skillful worldbuilding, and cinematically designed illustrations.” —Kirkus Review, starred review

“Strong character development, atmospheric art, villainous aliens, snappy banter, cheerworthy protagonists, and well-executed suspense should give this lots of broad appeal.” —Booklist, starred review

“Messages about valuing all humans add meaningful layers to this fast-paced adventure featuring a cast of likable heroes and creepy, memorable aliens.” —Publishers Weekly

“A strong pick for reluctant readers. Give to fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix’s 'Shadow Children' series or Mark Siegel’s '5 Worlds' books.” —School Library Journal

“With Last Pick, Jason Walz has created a beautifully crafted science fiction graphic novel that is heartfelt, filled with endearing characters, and all too timely.” —New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lemire

From the Publisher