Where to Start Reading Allen Zadoff
For most readers, the best entry point into Allen Zadoff's work is his hit young adult espionage series, The Unknown Assassin (also known as the Boy Nobody series). Starting with the first book, Boy Nobody / I Am the Weapon, is the ideal way to experience his trademark fast-paced, action-packed storytelling.
If you prefer contemporary realism, coming-of-age humor, or romance over thriller elements, the recommended starting point is his award-winning standalone novel, Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have, or his recent release, The Donut Prince of New York.
The Unknown Assassin (Boy Nobody) Series
This YA thriller trilogy follows a teenage assassin named Zach (referred to as "Boy Nobody") who operates under a shadowy government program. Because the books feature a continuous story arc with developing character relationships and overarching mysteries, they must be read in publication order:
- Boy Nobody / I Am the Weapon (2013)
- I Am the Mission (2014)
- I Am the Traitor (2015)
Note on Title Confusion: The first book was originally published in hardcover under the title Boy Nobody. When the sequels were released with the "I Am the..." structure, publishers re-released the first novel in paperback as I Am the Weapon to match. Both titles contain the exact same story.
Wild & Chance Series
For middle-grade readers, Zadoff created a sci-fi action-adventure series featuring a genetically altered, super-intelligent dog on the run. This duology should be read in chronological order:
- Wild & Chance (2020)
- The Puppy War (2021)
Standalone Novels
These YA contemporary novels do not share characters or universes, meaning they can be read in any order. They showcase Zadoff's range, transitioning from humor to heartfelt self-discovery:
- Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have (2009) – A Sid Fleischman Humor Award winner focusing on high school identity and self-acceptance.
- My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies (2011) – A story set in the world of high school theater production.
- Since You Left Me (2012) – A novel focusing on family dynamics, relationships, and religious community themes.
- The Donut Prince of New York (2024) – A romantic comedy exploring self-discovery set against a classic New York family business.
Non-Fiction Works
Zadoff has also written two distinct non-fiction books that cater to different audiences:
- Hungry: Lessons Learned on the Journey from Fat to Thin (2007) – A candid memoir sharing his personal weight loss journey.
- The AI Revolution for Writers (2023) – A guide discussing the ethical role of artificial intelligence in creative writing.