NERDS

Jackson Jones used to be the most popular 11-year-old at Nathan Hale Elementary, but now he’s forced to wear hideous magnetic braces on his teeth. Dumped by his friends, he starts paying more attention to his surroundings and discovers that a small group of nerds vanishes regularly during the school day. He learns they’re a group of super-secret, super-enhanced spies, and he accidentally gets enhanced himself. The five existing members of the National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society want nothing to do with the former “popular,” despite the best efforts of their adult handlers. When the NERDS are captured by evil Dr. Jigsaw, can “Braceface” save the day (and the world)? Sisters Grimm author Buckley kicks off a new series with a passable origin story. Most characters aren’t more than stereotypes, but the inventive details, story and made-up futuristic technology will keep pages turning. The length and level of language keep this from being a perfect package for its intended audience of reluctant readers. However, avid readers of humorous thrillers will be quite glad this is slated to be a series. (Thriller. 8-12)