National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society (NERDS Book One)

August 31, 2009
Launching a new series, Buckley (the Sisters Grimm books) offers a charming and funny tale of underdogs saving the day. Jackson Jones, a cool kid at Nathan Hale Elementary School, suddenly finds himself ostracized when he's saddled with 14 pounds of highly magnetic orthodonture (“Friends turned their backs when he walked by. Teachers cowered in the lounge, hoping to avoid eye contact”). With no social activities to occupy his time, he starts snooping around school and uncovers its secret: it's the undercover hideout of NERDS, a secret group of underage spies. Even more shocking, the NERDS are the biggest outcasts in the entire school, their allergies and eccentricities turned into assets. Though the spy kids concept is a familiar one in print, TV and film, Buckley has a flair for exaggerated humor, throws in some nice touches (including a peevish security system that interacts with readers) and wisely presents the NERDS through the eyes of Jackson, who spends much of the book denying his own social ostracism. Even the more broadly drawn archetypes are fleshed out, making this a perfectly fun and clever read. Ages 8–12.

December 1, 2009
Gr 5-7-An action-packed, tongue-in-cheek take on the world of superheroes and villains. Jackson Jones, 11, transitions from Mr. Popular to complete loser in the time it takes to be fitted for braces with headgear. He soon happens upon the underground headquarters of a group of outcasts called NERDS, who, with the help of technology "upgrades," turn weaknesses like allergies into superpowers, fighting crime in secret until the age of 18. While trying to escape, Jackson himself is accidentally upgradedhis braces become equipped with tiny nanobytes capable of morphing into any object. Asked to join the NERDS, Jackson quickly learns that not everyone wants him aroundespecially those he used to pick on. Unity must come quickly, however, to foil the evil Dr. Jigsaw, whose mission to reunite the continents of the world will lead to massive destruction. The absurd story line humorously hits on some oft-ignored topicswhat is the difference between a goon, a henchman, a minion, and an assassin anyway? Readers will delight in these unexpected touches. The pacing is quick and the action is plentifulkids will almost hear the sound effects as they read. The book itself is treated as a top-secret NERDS case file, complete with increasingly ridiculous security-clearance requirements (thumbprint, saliva sample, money). Angular, black-and-white illustrations highlight main characters and pivotal moments. "NERDS" brings a worthy message to the forethat uncool kids can grow up to be anything but. Funny, clever, and thoroughly entertaining, this title should be popular."Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Grades 4-7 Jackson Jones is the coolest kid in his school, and he enjoys tormenting the nerds. After he is fitted with braces, however, he becomes a social outcast, and its only then that he discovers that the geeks at his school are part of an elite espionage unit, NERDS. The schools nerds arent eager to let him in on their operation, but their adult leaders insist, and Jackson is soon involved in the fight against an evil genius, who is attempting to shift major islands as part of a plan to upset the earths plate tectonics. Buckley joins the current craze for novels featuring kid spies with this witty send-up. There are lots of stereotypes here: the nerds come with buck teeth, many fashion faux pas, and an array of allergies. Still, this fun adventure is sure to attract followers, who will look forward to the sequels promised at the novels end, and Beavers comic-strip style illustrations add further appeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
When football player Jackson's popularity is torpedoed by his new braces, he goes into Harriet-the-Spy mode and first uncovers, then joins, a team of super-nerdy fifth-grade secret agents. The action is high-wire, gleeful, and full of gadgetry and nerd-power moments, but the main character's bullying past and dismissive attitude toward his teammates make him difficult to root for.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)