M IS FOR MAMA'S BOY The N.E.R.D.S. Series, Book 2

The N.E.R.D.S. (National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society) are back! And Johnny Heller is masterful as narrator yet again. The group of fifth-grade nerds, each with a unique power, takes on one of their own. Simon, formerly known as Heathcliff, has jumped ship and embarked on his own plan to take over the world. With the help of Captain Justice (ray-gun mastermind) and his formidable mother, Simon and his former buddies engage in fast-paced and rib-tickling confrontations. From varying vantage points, Buckley poses the question: Does one need superpowers to be successful? Heller’s boyish voice is appropriate for the story, and his characterizations are superb. Mama has all the twang and savoir-faire of a domineering yet lovable mother, “The Creature” has all the sarcasm of a pesky sister, and Simon is as nasal as they come. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2011]