NERDS Books in Order

NERDS stands for National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society, a secret spy group made up of fifth graders who are usually ignored, teased, or underestimated at school. Their headquarters is hidden beneath Nathan Hale Elementary, where adult handlers use nanotechnology to turn each child's so-called weakness into a useful ability.

Braces can become a weapon. Allergies can become a defense system. Asthma, bad body odor, hyperactivity, and other traits become part of a superhero toolkit that is as silly as it is effective. The premise lets the series have fun with spy gadgets while making a simple point: the thing that makes a kid feel out of place may also be something worth owning.

The first book centers on Jackson Jones, a former popular kid whose new braces earn him the code name Braceface. When he discovers the NERDS, he is not exactly welcomed with open arms. The team has its own history, rivalries, and reasons to doubt him, but they need every advantage when mad scientist Dr. Jigsaw threatens the world.

These spies still have homework.

The later books give other agents more time in the spotlight, including Duncan "Gluestick" Dewey, Matilda "Wheezer" Choi, Flinch, and Ruby "Pufferfish" Peet. Their missions involve former teammates, computer control, alternate dimensions, a villain-making virus, and a competing group of upgraded agents. The action is broad and cartoonish, but the kids' friendships and insecurities continue to matter.

The tone is comic spy adventure, with codes, fake dossiers, gadgets, and exaggerated villains. Readers should begin with NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society, which explains how the team works and why Jackson joins. The stories become more connected as old enemies return, so reading in publication order gives the final showdown in Attack of the BULLIES more weight.

Under the missions and jokes, the series is about kids discovering that being different does not make them disposable. It may even make them the right people to save the day.