Picture a storyteller who turned a zombie-filled apocalypse into a laugh-out-loud adventure for kids—meet Max Brallier! Born in 1983, this American author has captured the hearts of young readers with his bestselling The Last Kids on Earth series, blending humor, action, and heart. With an Emmy-winning Netflix adaptation and over 30 books to his name, Brallier’s vibrant worlds make him a standout in children’s fiction.
From his early days in Massachusetts to crafting stories that resonate worldwide, Brallier’s journey is one of creativity and grit. His knack for turning post-apocalyptic chaos into a playground of fun has made him a favorite among middle-grade readers and parents alike.
The Making of Max Brallier
Born on September 8, 1983, in Belmont, Massachusetts, Max Brallier moved to Pittsburgh at age four before settling in Reading, Massachusetts, by third grade. His childhood was filled with books like Where’s Waldo and Bart Simpson’s Guide to Life, sparking a love for quirky, visual storytelling. After graduating from Ithaca College in 2005 with a film degree, Brallier dipped his toes into marketing and game design, working on Poptropica. His first book, a humorous coffee table book called Reasons to Smoke (2007), marked the start of his writing career, but it was children’s fiction that truly defined him.
Max Brallier’s Unforgettable Stories
Brallier’s breakout hit, The Last Kids on Earth (2015), follows Jack Sullivan, a 13-year-old foster kid navigating a monster-zombie apocalypse with his friends. Packed with black-and-white illustrations by Douglas Holgate, the series mixes video-game-like plotting with gross-out humor, earning praise from Kirkus Reviews for its ‘pitch-perfect’ blend of bravado and geekiness. With nine books and a graphic novel spin-off, The Last Comics on Earth, the series has sold over 10 million copies and inspired an Emmy-winning Netflix show.
Beyond Last Kids, Brallier’s versatility shines in series like Eerie Elementary, a spooky chapter book saga written as Jack Chabert, and Galactic Hot Dogs, a sci-fi adventure bursting with cosmic silliness. His interactive Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? invites readers to choose their own path, showcasing his playful, reader-centric style. Brallier’s stories thrive on fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and themes of friendship and resilience, making them a hit with reluctant readers.
His inspiration? A mix of comic books, monster movies like Return of the Jedi, and kids’ nonfiction about bizarre creatures. Brallier’s knack for imagining ‘what if a spider and a hornet became a 30-foot fire-breathing beast’ fuels his campy, larger-than-life monsters, delighting young imaginations.
Why Max Brallier Matters
Max Brallier’s impact on children’s literature is undeniable. His books, lauded by School Library Journal for their ‘nuanced character development,’ hook reluctant readers with humor and heart, proving that reading can be as thrilling as a video game. The Last Kids on Earth Netflix series, where Brallier serves as a writer and producer, has brought his stories to a global audience, earning an Emmy and cementing his cultural footprint. By creating a ‘FUNpocalypse’ where kids are heroes, he empowers young readers to embrace their inner strength.
Brallier’s work also bridges generational gaps, with parents appreciating the nostalgia of his pop-culture references. Living in Los Angeles with his wife, Alyse, and daughter, Lila, he continues to craft stories that inspire courage and laughter, leaving a lasting mark on middle-grade fiction.
About Max Brallier
- Born: September 8, 1983, in Belmont, Massachusetts
- Key Works: The Last Kids on Earth, Eerie Elementary, Galactic Hot Dogs
- Awards: Emmy for Netflix’s The Last Kids on Earth
- Fun Fact: His favorite book as a kid was Bart Simpson’s Guide to Life
Snag The Last Kids on Earth and dive into Max Brallier’s hilarious, monster-filled world! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, his stories are a wild ride you won’t forget.