Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What Just Left My Nightstand

Since November is winding down already, it's time for this month's What's on Your Nightstand. They allow us some freedom with this, so I am going to do the mini review of the book I just finished reading, NERDS by Michael Buckley.

Yes, this book is aimed at late elementary school or jr. high. But don't let that stop you.

It tells the story of Jackson Jones, one of the most popular kids at Nathan Hale Elementary until the day he gets braces. But when his old friends start ignoring him, he discovers the school's secret. It is really the headquarters for a secret spy branch called NERDS (National, Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society). Since he has found their secret, he is invited to join their ranks. But will his new friends accept him? Can he learn to be a spy?

This book is an absolute riot. The laughs are plentiful and the cituations are a little silly at times as well. You might know Michael Buckley from his Sisters Grimm books. The same creativity is shown here.

The creativity makes up a little for the pacing, which is slow to start. But the final third is sharply written and very hard to put down.

While I felt like I got to know Jackson, some of the other characters were a little thin. Hopefully, they will be better fleshed out as the series progresses.

If you want a creative book for your kids this Christmas, this is it.

4 comments:

bekahcubed said...

That sounds like fun. It has all the elements kids (and this grownup) like: espionage, secret societies, fitting it. I'll have to stick it on my list--maybe my list of "read with someone" books.

Mark Baker said...

I think reading this book with someone would make it even better.

Enjoy!

DebD said...

This does sound like a fun book. Great review too. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Ruth said...

This sounds like something my students would like. I will add it to my list.