Start with Locker Hero
The first book introduces Max's difficult move from homeschooling to middle school and begins the break-in plot continued in book two.
Book Series · 3 Books
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Books
In order from Locker Hero to Masters of Mischief.
Would-be superhero Max Crumbly records three heavily illustrated middle-school adventures filled with bullies, burglars, gadgets, and comic disasters.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Max Crumbly Books
Read the three books in numbered order. Locker Hero ends in the middle of Max's school-break-in adventure, Middle School Mayhem continues it directly, and Masters of Mischief follows the same friendships and rivalries.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Max is repeatedly bullied—including being stuffed into a locker—and gets caught in break-ins, chases, threats, traps, and cartoonish physical danger. He often imagines death or disaster in exaggerated comic terms, while drawings keep the action energetic rather than realistic.
The diary-like format, comics, and large amount of visual storytelling make the books approachable for reluctant readers. Friendship, courage, and creative problem-solving matter more than Max's fantasies of becoming a superhero.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2016
Locker Hero
Max faces a bully at his new school. Can he become the hero he dreams of being?
302 pages· 24,740 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Max Crumbly is navigating the treacherous halls of South Ridge Middle School, where a bully named Doug makes life difficult. Dreaming of being a comic book hero, Max must find courage and creativity to tackle his real-life nemesis. Will he rise to the challenge and become the hero his school desperately needs, or will he remain trapped in his locker-bound fate? Discover how Max's unexpected talents might just save the day in this thrilling middle school adventure.
In reading order
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Series
3 books · Published 2016–2019
#1
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Locker Hero
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2016
Max faces a bully at his new school. Can he become the hero he dreams of being?
#2
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Middle School Mayhem
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2017
Trapped with criminals, can Max escape the school's dark secrets?
#3
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Masters of Mischief
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019
Can Max and Erin outsmart foes and keep their school safe?
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Misadventures of Max Crumbly series?
There are 3 books in the Misadventures of Max Crumbly series. It began with Locker Hero in 2016, and the newest book, Masters of Mischief, was published in 2019.
What order should you read the Misadventures of Max Crumbly books in?
Start with Locker Hero and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the Misadventures of Max Crumbly books best for?
The series is best for ages 9–13, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Misadventures of Max Crumbly book is the longest?
Locker Hero (Book #1) is the longest book in the series at 24,740 words (302 pages).
Which Misadventures of Max Crumbly book is the shortest?
Middle School Mayhem (Book #2) is the shortest at 16,114 words (240 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring The Misadventures of Max Crumbly to life.
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