If you’re searching for hilarious middle-grade reads packed with mischief, school drama, epic fails, and endless laughs, Lincoln Peirce is the author you need to know. He’s the brilliant mind behind the wildly popular Big Nate series — a favorite among kids (and plenty of adults!) for over three decades.
Starting as a comic strip in 1991, Big Nate has grown into a massive franchise with chapter books, graphic novel collections, activity books, and even a TV adaptation. Peirce also created the adventurous medieval fantasy series Max and the Midknights.
Whether you’re a longtime fan introducing the series to a new reader or diving in for the first time, this complete guide lists Lincoln Peirce’s main books in publication order — perfect for reading the stories as they were meant to be enjoyed!
Why Start with Lincoln Peirce and Big Nate?
Big Nate follows the misadventures of Nate Wright, an irrepressible sixth-grader who’s convinced he’s destined for greatness — even if detention, homework disasters, and his arch-nemesis Gina keep getting in the way. The books blend comic-strip energy with novel-length stories, making them ideal for reluctant readers and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dog Man.
The Big Nate novels (chapter books) form the core storyline, while the graphic novel collections compile the daily comic strips. Both are hugely entertaining and can be read independently, but starting with the novels gives the best narrative flow.
Lincoln Peirce Books in Order: The Ultimate Guide to Big Nate and More
Big Nate Novels (Chapter Books) – In Publication Order
These are the main illustrated novels that tell ongoing stories of Nate’s life.
- Big Nate: In a Class by Himself (2010)
- Big Nate Strikes Again (2010)
- Big Nate on a Roll (2011)
- Big Nate Goes for Broke (2012)
- Big Nate Flips Out (2013)
- Big Nate in the Zone (2014)
- Big Nate Lives It Up (2015)
- Big Nate Blasts Off (2016)
These eight books wrap up the original novel arc — perfect for binge-reading!
Max and the Midknights Series – In Publication Order
After finishing the Big Nate novels, Peirce launched this fun, illustrated fantasy adventure series about Max, a young aspiring knight, and her quirky friends.
- Max and the Midknights (2019)
- Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins (2020)
- Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time (2022)
This trilogy delivers medieval mayhem, dragons, and plenty of Peirce’s signature humor.
Big Nate Comic Strip Collections (Graphic Novels) – In Publication Order (Select Highlights)
The Big Nate graphic novels collect the newspaper comic strips and are released regularly. Here are some popular and recent ones (the series continues with many more volumes):
- Big Nate: From the Top (2010)
- Big Nate Out Loud (2011)
- Big Nate and Friends (2011)
- Big Nate Makes the Grade (2012)
- Big Nate Game On! (2013)
- Big Nate Lives It Up (some overlap with novels)
- Big Nate: In Your Face! (2021)
- Big Nate: Payback Time!
- Big Nate: Big Nate: No Harm Done! (2025)
- Big Nate: Code Red! (upcoming 2026)
With over 30+ collections, these are great for quick, laugh-out-loud reading anytime.
Quick Tips for Reading Lincoln Peirce Books
- Start with the Big Nate novels (especially the first one) for the best introduction to the character.
- Love comics more? Jump into the graphic novel collections — they’re standalone and super fun.
- For something fresh after Big Nate, try Max and the Midknights — it’s a great next step for fans of adventure and humor.
Lincoln Peirce’s books continue to top bestseller lists because they capture the chaos and comedy of growing up like no one else. Whether you’re grabbing one for a road trip, bedtime reading, or a classroom library, the laughs are guaranteed.
Which Big Nate adventure is your favorite? Drop it in the comments — and happy reading! 🚀
