Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society | 2009 | Michael Buckley | Buy |
| 2 | M is for Mama’s Boy | 2010 | Michael Buckley | Buy |
| 3 | The Cheerleaders of Doom | 2011 | Michael Buckley | Buy |
| 4 | The Villain Virus | 2012 | Michael Buckley | Buy |
| 5 | Attack of the BULLIES | 2013 | Michael Buckley | Buy |
The NERDS series by Michael Buckley follows a group of elementary school kids who double as secret agents. NERDS stands for National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society, and the premise is that each kid’s biggest social weakness has been upgraded into a spy gadget or superpower. The first book, published in 2009, sets up the concept and introduces the team.
Across five books published through 2013, the series sends its young agents on missions against villains who range from mad scientists to alternate-universe versions of themselves. Buckley keeps the tone light and funny, with plenty of action set pieces built around the kids’ unusual abilities. The books are aimed at middle-grade readers who enjoy a mix of humor and adventure.
The NERDS series was one of Buckley’s major works alongside The Sisters Grimm. It stands out for its creative premise and its appeal to kids who might see themselves in the “nerdy” characters who turn out to be the heroes.