Start at the beginning
Begin with The Great Brain and continue in numbered order.
Book Series · 8 Books
The Great Brain Books
In order from The Great Brain to The Great Brain Is Back.
Set in 1890s Utah, these humorous historical novels are narrated by J.D. Fitzgerald, whose brilliant older brother Tom turns nearly every local problem into a scheme—and often a profit.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read The Great Brain Books
Read all eight books in publisher order. The stories build on family and town relationships even when an individual adventure feels self-contained, and The Great Brain Is Back is the final volume.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Tom lies, swindles other children, and manipulates adults, although the books also show consequences and moments when his ingenuity helps people. Peril includes children lost in a cave, kidnapping, illness, corporal punishment, and a child's suicide attempt that prompts a rescue.
The books reflect their late-1800s setting and their original publication era, including dated language, stereotypes, religious tensions, and attitudes toward disability and discipline. Families may want to discuss what belongs to the historical setting and what should not be imitated.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
The first book introduces Adenville, the Fitzgerald family, and Tom's particular brand of cleverness.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
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
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.
#2
Sale price
$858
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.
#3
Sale price
$858
Me and My Little Brain
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1971
J.D. must outsmart kidnappers to save his brother, discovering his own cleverness.
#4
Sale price
$379
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
Sale price
$428
The Great Brain Reforms
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1973
Can J.D. outsmart his cunning brother and end his swindling ways?
#6
Sale price
$428
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
Sale price
$428
The Great Brain Does It Again
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1975
A clever boy's schemes unfold in old Utah.
#8
Sale price
$858
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 people who bring The Great Brain to life.
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