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Nerdy Dozen #1
The Nerdy Dozen
When Neil Andertol and eleven other video-gaming whizzes download classified military training software, they are recruited by the Air Force to complete a mission gone wrong. Suddenly the nerdy dozen aren't playing for points-they're playing to save the world!
Neil Andertol is a hero.
…Just not in real life. He's always left the princess freeing, monster fighting, and village saving up to the characters he plays online, under the name ManofNeil. In his favorite flying game, Chameleon, he pilots a super-stealth fighter jet-that can supposedly go invisible at the highest level. Yet while ManofNeil can take out a whole squadron of enemy planes, regular Neil still gets picked on by the class bully. But that's all about to change.
Neil Andertol is a hero.
…Just not in real life. He's always left the princess freeing, monster fighting, and village saving up to the characters he plays online, under the name ManofNeil. In his favorite flying game, Chameleon, he pilots a super-stealth fighter jet-that can supposedly go invisible at the highest level. Yet while ManofNeil can take out a whole squadron of enemy planes, regular Neil still gets picked on by the class bully. But that's all about to change.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2014
38 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Miller
4 books35 followersJeff Miller is a former newspaper delivery boy from Kent, Ohio, and a top scorer in coffee drinking. He currently lives in Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 26, 2017
I finished this book because it was a Sunshine State Reader. I have absolutely nothing good to say. The plot was absurd, the characters expected and dull, and the resolution completely unsatisfying or even interesting.
February 20, 2018
The Nerdy Dozen
The enemy fighter jets surged past Neil Andertol, soaring over desolate, sandy terrain.
- opening line
So, another 6-8 grade Sunshine State nominated book. I wasn't planning on reading this one because I didn't think I would like it. That's what I get for judging a book by its cover. Anyway, one of the 4th-grade students was really enjoying it and she asked me to read it with her. It's actually pretty good and I can't wait to talk to her about it tomorrow. Though I finished it and she is probably around halfway through.
Neil loves video games, like most 13-year old boys these days. He especially enjoys one called Chameleon. Chameleon, it turns out is a training tool used by the Air Force to teach pilots to fly an actual plane called the Chameleon that is capable of seeming invisible. Neil and a bunch of other kids get recruited by the Air Force to find a lost plane and save the day. I know, I know. Big suspension of disbelief here, but kids love that sort of thing.
Anyway, Neil ends up meeting a few people in real life that he only previously knew online. So, there are expected surprises there. And the kids make a couple of decisions that mess up something that Major Jones had planned, resulting in more unlikely situations. At least the kids don't make some half-assed decision based on their guts and end up being right over the Major who is an adult and should know better than them.
This is a fast-moving story that kids will devour. And now that there are 3 books in the series, it will keep the kids reading.
Good for 4th - 8th graders who enjoy video games, strong female characters, soldiers, edge of your seat adventures... it has something for everyone.
The enemy fighter jets surged past Neil Andertol, soaring over desolate, sandy terrain.
- opening line
So, another 6-8 grade Sunshine State nominated book. I wasn't planning on reading this one because I didn't think I would like it. That's what I get for judging a book by its cover. Anyway, one of the 4th-grade students was really enjoying it and she asked me to read it with her. It's actually pretty good and I can't wait to talk to her about it tomorrow. Though I finished it and she is probably around halfway through.
Neil loves video games, like most 13-year old boys these days. He especially enjoys one called Chameleon. Chameleon, it turns out is a training tool used by the Air Force to teach pilots to fly an actual plane called the Chameleon that is capable of seeming invisible. Neil and a bunch of other kids get recruited by the Air Force to find a lost plane and save the day. I know, I know. Big suspension of disbelief here, but kids love that sort of thing.
Anyway, Neil ends up meeting a few people in real life that he only previously knew online. So, there are expected surprises there. And the kids make a couple of decisions that mess up something that Major Jones had planned, resulting in more unlikely situations. At least the kids don't make some half-assed decision based on their guts and end up being right over the Major who is an adult and should know better than them.
This is a fast-moving story that kids will devour. And now that there are 3 books in the series, it will keep the kids reading.
Good for 4th - 8th graders who enjoy video games, strong female characters, soldiers, edge of your seat adventures... it has something for everyone.
July 10, 2017
Nope. I could not sit down and focus on this book... it was all over the place.
May 11, 2018
Drew Lundeen
Language Arts Block 3
Due: May 11, 2018
The Nerdy Dozen Book Review
For this last book review, I read a book called The Nerdy Dozen. The book was written by Jeff Miller and the Book Level was 5.8. I couldn’t find the Lexile Level. This book was a little different for me to read. I usually always read sports books and do Book Reviews on sports books. But this time, I thought I would do something different. So, I read The Nerdy Dozen. And it was an awesome book. The book’s main character is named Neil and he is really, really good at video games. Especially this game called Chameleon. He’s so good that he gets recruited by the Air Force. It turns out that the Chameleon game was actually a military simulator that leaked out and tons of kids were playing it. And the Air Force lost a Chameleon plane out by an island. So, the Air Force took the top 11 kids with the top 11 scores and brought them in to try and find the missing Chameleon. The rest of the book tells about their training and adventures and how they try to get the plane back.
Toward the end of the book, there is a decision that Neil makes that really propels the action. So, Neil and his team were trapped in a warehouse on the island where the missing Chameleon was. Neil challenged the person that was holding his team, Harris, to a game of Feather Duster (Harris had made Feather Duster). And if Neil won, the team would be freed. Neil ends up winning, but Harris doesn’t free them. But Neil was thinking ahead. While they were starting the game, Neil stole some wire cutters while Harris was distracted. Then, when he got put back in the room they were all trapped in, Neil gave the wire cutters to their leader, Jones, and he “grabbed hold of the bolt cutters and reached through the broken window to snip the lock trapping them inside”. Then he let everyone out and said: “‘We’re back in business, everybody” (pg. 235). That decision really propelled the action and helped Neil and the team escape. And there is a great example that reveals aspects of Neil. So, when Neil first gets to the Air Force camp, he meets his partner in most of his Chameleon games, ShooterSam, and realizes she’s a girl! He’s never really ever talked to girls in person. But he really likes Sam. And on pages 39 and 40, the book reveals that he likes Sam, but that he’s afraid to talk to her. It says “Neil managed a quick hello and then turned back to the fighter jet, his pulse racing. ‘Hi, Neil.’ Samantha squinted at him as though considering something. Luckily for Neil, Jones chose that exact moment to reappear, saving him from any more uncomfortable silences”. That really showed me that he liked Sam, but was afraid to talk to her.
I really loved this book. This book is probably my favorite non-sport book that I’ve ever read. This book is a series and I’d recommend this book to anyone that just likes to read a good book, but I wouldn’t recommend the next book in this series, it just wasn’t that good. But this book was amazing. I couldn’t relate a ton to this book, because I don’t play a lot of video games. But this book had tons of action and wasn’t boring at all. There wasn’t one part of the book that I liked more than another part, it was just an all-around great book. The author really did a great job writing the book and just made it full of action. I liked how he had the kids really be the main characters. The people from the Air Force weren’t flying and directing the plane, the kids were. That made me feel like I could do something amazing as a kid and it just made me feel good. I feel like the author was trying to accomplish that and if he was, he did an awesome job. So all in all, it was an action-packed book and if you love a good book, I would for sure recommend reading this book.
Language Arts Block 3
Due: May 11, 2018
The Nerdy Dozen Book Review
For this last book review, I read a book called The Nerdy Dozen. The book was written by Jeff Miller and the Book Level was 5.8. I couldn’t find the Lexile Level. This book was a little different for me to read. I usually always read sports books and do Book Reviews on sports books. But this time, I thought I would do something different. So, I read The Nerdy Dozen. And it was an awesome book. The book’s main character is named Neil and he is really, really good at video games. Especially this game called Chameleon. He’s so good that he gets recruited by the Air Force. It turns out that the Chameleon game was actually a military simulator that leaked out and tons of kids were playing it. And the Air Force lost a Chameleon plane out by an island. So, the Air Force took the top 11 kids with the top 11 scores and brought them in to try and find the missing Chameleon. The rest of the book tells about their training and adventures and how they try to get the plane back.
Toward the end of the book, there is a decision that Neil makes that really propels the action. So, Neil and his team were trapped in a warehouse on the island where the missing Chameleon was. Neil challenged the person that was holding his team, Harris, to a game of Feather Duster (Harris had made Feather Duster). And if Neil won, the team would be freed. Neil ends up winning, but Harris doesn’t free them. But Neil was thinking ahead. While they were starting the game, Neil stole some wire cutters while Harris was distracted. Then, when he got put back in the room they were all trapped in, Neil gave the wire cutters to their leader, Jones, and he “grabbed hold of the bolt cutters and reached through the broken window to snip the lock trapping them inside”. Then he let everyone out and said: “‘We’re back in business, everybody” (pg. 235). That decision really propelled the action and helped Neil and the team escape. And there is a great example that reveals aspects of Neil. So, when Neil first gets to the Air Force camp, he meets his partner in most of his Chameleon games, ShooterSam, and realizes she’s a girl! He’s never really ever talked to girls in person. But he really likes Sam. And on pages 39 and 40, the book reveals that he likes Sam, but that he’s afraid to talk to her. It says “Neil managed a quick hello and then turned back to the fighter jet, his pulse racing. ‘Hi, Neil.’ Samantha squinted at him as though considering something. Luckily for Neil, Jones chose that exact moment to reappear, saving him from any more uncomfortable silences”. That really showed me that he liked Sam, but was afraid to talk to her.
I really loved this book. This book is probably my favorite non-sport book that I’ve ever read. This book is a series and I’d recommend this book to anyone that just likes to read a good book, but I wouldn’t recommend the next book in this series, it just wasn’t that good. But this book was amazing. I couldn’t relate a ton to this book, because I don’t play a lot of video games. But this book had tons of action and wasn’t boring at all. There wasn’t one part of the book that I liked more than another part, it was just an all-around great book. The author really did a great job writing the book and just made it full of action. I liked how he had the kids really be the main characters. The people from the Air Force weren’t flying and directing the plane, the kids were. That made me feel like I could do something amazing as a kid and it just made me feel good. I feel like the author was trying to accomplish that and if he was, he did an awesome job. So all in all, it was an action-packed book and if you love a good book, I would for sure recommend reading this book.
January 7, 2018
This was a fun book, appropriate for target audience. It focuses intensely on video games and military aspects,so it may appeal more so to boys, though I think girls (including myself) may also enjoy it. There were times throughout the book where I almost put it down and stopped reading because it became a little dry and sporadic, though I persevered and I'm glad it did. The story line was interesting, though I'm not a gamer, so I may not have been quite as interested who someone who has a passion for video games. It had it's thrilling, suspenseful, and adventurous moments though. I found the ending to be a little confusing. I wish that the author had taken more time to develop the various characters throughout the book, as opposed to just focusing on Neil. It was hard to keep track of who was who and what their different characteristics were, and therefore, why they were important to the storyline. Overall, I think it was a good read for the target audience.
July 14, 2019
This was a really enjoyable book. Great for the family too. Interesting characters, action and adventure, good dialog, fun tidbits and a good ending that leaves you wandering about the next journey. There are some intriguing twists and turns and plenty of fun along the way. It pulled me in and didn't let go. I couldn't wait to see what was gonna happen next. I'm ready and willing for the next! Enjoy!
September 18, 2017
The Nerdy Dozen, by Jeff Miller, is a really great book. Just by being really good at playing a game, he got himself to the military for a secret mission. In his favorite game, Chameleon, he flies on a jet that can go invisible. He became one of the top people in the board. He will be will 11 other people in the secret mission. Will they complete their secret mission?
September 18, 2020
I enjoyed the idea of the book, but overall the book really didn't 'wow' me. There wasn't a lot of space in the book for all 12 of the kids to have their character really become developed, but I get the idea of having 12 kids (for more than just the catchy title). Maybe some of the kids will have a bigger role in book 2.
November 25, 2017
Super cute middle grade novel I read with my 9 year old! About high level gamer kids who get to fly real fighter jets in the army bc of their video game skills. Cute storyline with unexpected twists, humor, and friendship. My little gamer really enjoyed the story!
August 21, 2017
I thought it was a fun adventure with comedy and action
October 13, 2017
i really liked it involving the airforce and obsticalls the challenges competition really interested me great book.
March 9, 2018
Wow, you really have to suspend reality for this book, but it was a fun ride. I think this would be a very enjoyable read for the target audience too.
June 11, 2018
From the totally ridiculous premise to the weak plot the poor characters the whole book is a total stinker. Rubbish with very little to reward even the most patient of readers.
January 21, 2021
Cute book for introverted adolescents
July 10, 2024
What started as a semi-believable, Alex Rider type story switched at the midway point to an unbelievable Kim Possible esque story. And as a fan of Kim Possible, I don't mean that as a compliment.
March 11, 2017
The characters aren't necessarily realistic, but they're amusing and funny, especially Biggs and Riley. It's a fun read.
September 16, 2014
Neil Andertol is a pretty normal, slightly nerdy kid. He likes pizza and video games and is afraid to talk to girls. His favorite game is an online flight simulator called Chameleon in which he holds the second highest score. He is getting close to the lead scorer when his mom makes him spend the weekend at Tommy’s house. Since Tommy is the local bully, Neil doesn’t want to go but finds it less abhorrent than spending the weekend at a martial arts competition with his karate-chopping sister, Janey. After beating Tommy in the Chameleon game at the sleepover, Neil feels like he has to escape. While sneaking back to his house, Neil is abducted by the Air Force and recruited along with eleven other kids for a special recovery mission. The Chameleon game is based on a real fighter jet with the capability to become completely invisible. One of these top secret, super expensive planes and its pilots has gone missing. The Air Force needs the nerdy dozen, experts at flight simulator games, to rescue the plane and its pilots. After about 24 hours of training, the nerdy dozen embark on their mission to a tropical island containing pineapple pizza and ostriches to try and recover the missing plane. They discover that a game creator named Harris has stolen the plane in hopes of selling its invisibility technology so that he can buy out all the other video gaming companies. He wants to monopolize the video game industry so that the only game available is his own ostrich racing game. Of course, Neil and his friends save the day and head home with great honor by Monday. It is difficult to love or hate this book. The story is so completely, unbelievably far-fetched that some readers will be turned away instantly. However, those middle graders who appreciate the N.E.R.D.S. books by Michael Buckley will most likely enjoy this book. Reluctant readers who are into online gaming will also find this an easy read. The characters crafted by Miller are actually quite interesting and well developed. One of them is even named Biggs in an obvious homage to Star Wars.
May 31, 2016
"Thy ship is verily crashing!" Riley exclaimed.
"If anyone finds a recording of this, as my last living will and testament, I leave everything to my cat, Mayor Mittenbottom!" Biggs screamed. (p. 117)
"You're looking spry today, Jonesy," said Biggs. "If I may call you Jonesy."
"It's Major Jones, sir."
"Sir, yes sir, Major Grumpy Gus." (p. 173)
Neither of them was exactly a skilled fighter. Unsure of where to attack, they both sliced down with their hands and forearms, occasionally making contact and sending the other into a mad flurry of slaps whenever they did. There was a lot of dramatic yelling and some pinching, but neither of them dared to do much more. (p. 268)
"Dear Mom. Camp is great. I'll be home early Monday," Biggs said, but paused and went off script for his next line. "Feed the cats!" (p. 286)
"If anyone finds a recording of this, as my last living will and testament, I leave everything to my cat, Mayor Mittenbottom!" Biggs screamed. (p. 117)
"You're looking spry today, Jonesy," said Biggs. "If I may call you Jonesy."
"It's Major Jones, sir."
"Sir, yes sir, Major Grumpy Gus." (p. 173)
Neither of them was exactly a skilled fighter. Unsure of where to attack, they both sliced down with their hands and forearms, occasionally making contact and sending the other into a mad flurry of slaps whenever they did. There was a lot of dramatic yelling and some pinching, but neither of them dared to do much more. (p. 268)
"Dear Mom. Camp is great. I'll be home early Monday," Biggs said, but paused and went off script for his next line. "Feed the cats!" (p. 286)
August 13, 2014
Neil, a hardcore gamer, got a high score is his newest game, Chameleon. Supposedly, it is a real military pilot game that was leaked on Internet Piraseas, an invite only gaming website, where only the best kid gamers were allowed. Neil was one of the few. After sneaking out of a sleepover, he’s kidnapped, drugged, and wakes up in a cell with eleven kids and told the Air Force needs them to rescue some men and they’re the only qualified people to fly the planes.
Read the full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/b...
Read the full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/b...
April 8, 2016
Shades of ENDER'S GAME! Our hero, Neil, along with a dozen other kids his age, has been kidnapped ("aggressively recruited") because he is skilled at playing a pirated military simulator game known as Chameleon. The only actual pilots of the new Air Force stealth craft have gone down with their ship, and the kids who have played the pirated "game" are the only ones who can fly the craft and rescue the downed plane. There's a large dose of unbelievable to swallow, but it's all good fun anyway. Go ManofNeil!
February 9, 2014
Read as digital ARC.
It's likely that I'll start recommending The Nerdy Dozen the day it hits the 7-12 wall in store. It's got a great assortment of characters with varying degrees of weirdness, gaming/planes/ostriches AND, most importantly, a clear mission. Yes!
It's likely that I'll start recommending The Nerdy Dozen the day it hits the 7-12 wall in store. It's got a great assortment of characters with varying degrees of weirdness, gaming/planes/ostriches AND, most importantly, a clear mission. Yes!
November 15, 2020
This book reads like a bad TV cartoon series. I suppose the idea is to encourage ten year olds to become drone operators when they grow up, and kill real people as easily as they kill video game bad guys.
triedtoread
July 17, 2014I checked this out for my 4th grader, but it couldn't tear him away from the Warrior Cats books.
June 5, 2014
This book is fast-paced with lots of action that may appeal to reluctant readers but the story just wasn't compelling or interesting. Some humor. Plot a little disjointed and bordering on silly.
November 9, 2014
Fun if uneven and kind of silly!
August 10, 2014
I loved this book,. It shows that anyone can make a difference, even gamers. I loved this book!
December 31, 2014
Great book; action packed and funny. Kids who like video games, spy mission plots, or ever dream of flying a jet would love this book!
February 12, 2016
Asher (9yo) read. "Invisible jets! Wars about video games! Now THIS is crazy!"
June 7, 2016
This book was SO FUNNY!!! I loved it!!!
June 15, 2017
Witty, nerdy, and fun
Fun and witty. Quick read that is relaxing. Humorous. Nerdy is cool. Sequel should be just as quirky. Sunshine state young reader
Fun and witty. Quick read that is relaxing. Humorous. Nerdy is cool. Sequel should be just as quirky. Sunshine state young reader
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews