Book Series · 8 Books

The Great Brain Books

In order from The Great Brain to The Great Brain Is Back.

The Great Brain series is a set of 8 chapter books by John D. Fitzgerald, published between 1967 and 1995. Written for ages 8–12, most books run about 160 pages.

The Great Brain
More Adventures of the Great Brain
Me and My Little Brain
The Great Brain at the Academy
The Great Brain Reforms
Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

The Great Brain
Sale price
$858
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

The Great Brain

By John D. Fitzgerald, Mercer Mayer (Illustrator)

A young con artist uses his wits to save the day and profit.

175 pages· 47,205 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Tom, the ten-year-old mastermind known as the Great Brain. With a silver tongue and a knack for profit, he navigates challenges like rescuing the Jenkins boys from Skeleton Cave and aiding new kid Basil. But can his clever schemes keep him on top without costing him friendships? Dive into a world where wit and charm are the ultimate currency.
In reading order

The Great Brain Series

8 books · Published 1967–1995

#1
#1 in Series
Sale price
$858

The Great Brain

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

A young con artist uses his wits to save the day and profit.

More Adventures of the Great Brain

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1969

A young con artist must solve a bank robbery mystery in his town.

Me and My Little Brain

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1971

J.D. must outsmart kidnappers to save his brother, discovering his own cleverness.

The Great Brain at the Academy

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1972

A clever boy's schemes clash with strict school rules, leading to unexpected chaos.

#5

The Great Brain Reforms

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1973

Can J.D. outsmart his cunning brother and end his swindling ways?

#6

The Return of the Great Brain

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1974

A reformed schemer faces temptation as he navigates swindles and mysteries under watchful eyes.

#7

The Great Brain Does It Again

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1975

A clever boy's schemes unfold in old Utah.

#8

The Great Brain Is Back

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

A clever trickster's schemes lead to chaos and adventure.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Great Brain series?

There are 8 books in the Great Brain series. It began with The Great Brain in 1967, and the newest book, The Great Brain Is Back, was published in 1995.

What order should you read the Great Brain books in?

Start with The Great Brain and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #8.

What ages are the Great Brain books best for?

The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

The people

The Creatives Behind the Books

The authors and illustrators who bring The Great Brain to life.

01

John D. Fitzgerald

Author
02

John Fitzgerald

Author
03

Mercer Mayer

Illustrator

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