Step into the zany, action-packed world of N.E.R.D.S., where a group of eleven-year-old misfits transform their quirks into super-spy powers! Written by Michael Buckley, this hilarious middle-grade series blends espionage, humor, and heart, following the National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society as they save the world from outrageous villains. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dog Man, N.E.R.D.S. celebrates the power of being yourself.
How N.E.R.D.S. Began
Michael Buckley, already a hit with his Sisters Grimm series, launched N.E.R.D.S. in 2009, inspired by the idea of turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. Drawing from his love of Saturday morning cartoons and spy flicks, Buckley crafted a world where nerdy kids rule. Set in Arlington, Virginia’s Nathan Hale Elementary, the series grew into a five-book adventure, with an animated show reportedly in development as of 2022.
The Heart of N.E.R.D.S.
The series kicks off with NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society, where Jackson 'Braceface' Jones, a popular kid turned outcast due to magnetic braces, joins a secret spy team. Each member’s 'nerdy' trait—like Duncan 'Gluestick' Dewey’s paste-eating or Matilda 'Wheezer' Choi’s asthma—becomes a high-tech superpower. In M Is for Mama’s Boy, the team battles a villain’s mind-control scheme, while The Cheerleaders of Doom sees them tackling interdimensional threats. Attack of the Bullies, the finale, pits the team against a time-traveling rival group, the B.U.L.L.I.E.S.
Themes of teamwork, self-acceptance, and diversity shine throughout. Buckley’s diverse cast, including African-American, Korean-American, and Jewish characters, reflects a broad spectrum of identities. The fast-paced plots, comic-book-style illustrations by Ethen Beavers, and exaggerated humor keep readers hooked. The series’ setting—a school hiding a spy headquarters—adds a relatable yet thrilling backdrop for middle-graders navigating their own social battles.
Why N.E.R.D.S. Resonates
N.E.R.D.S. has won over fans with its empowering message: your quirks make you extraordinary. Awards like the 2011 Nene Award and 2012 Sasquatch Award highlight its appeal. Its blend of spy gadgets, quirky villains like the Hyena (a beauty queen turned assassin), and heartfelt moments resonates with kids aged 8–12, encouraging them to embrace their differences. The series’ cult following and potential animated adaptation signal its lasting charm.
- Publication Years: 2009–2013
- Number of Books: 5
- Awards: 2011 Nene Award, 2012 Sasquatch Award
- Target Age: 8–12
Grab NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society and dive into a world of spies, laughs, and epic adventures!