Brad Meltzer is an American author of multiple number-one New York Times bestselling thriller titles. But while he’s most famous for his fast-paced tales of political intrigue and international espionage, he’s also penned several award-winning inspirational books for younger readers, multiple non-fiction works, and several comic books and graphic novels.
His debut title, The Tenth Justice, was published in 1997. Since then, he’s become one of the biggest names in contemporary literature. His bestselling books have been translated into more than thirty languages and gained him an army of fans around the globe.
So, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure or a heartwarming educational read for your little ones, you won’t miss Brad Meltzer’s books.
Brad Meltzer’s Books in Order
| Sr. No. | Title | Publication Date | Print Length / Listening Length | Publisher | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Inner Circle | January 11, 2011 | 704 pages | Grand Central Publishing | Amazon |
| 2 | I am Abraham Lincoln | January 1, 2014 | 40 pages | Rocky Pond Books | Amazon |
| 3 | I am Batman | September 27, 2022 | 40 pages | Dial Books | Amazon |
| 4 | The Escape Artist | March 6, 2018 | 434 pages | Grand Central Publishing | Amazon |
| 5 | The Tenth Justice | January 1, 2009 | 389 pages | HARPER | Amazon |
| 6 | Heroes for My Son | October 25, 2016 | 128 pages | AMERICAN B | Amazon |
| 7 | Green Arrow | August 18, 2015 | 176 pages | DC Comics | Amazon |
Brad Meltzer has written multiple series and standalone titles. But with so many works to explore, it takes time to figure out where to begin. So, in this post, I’ll give you a full rundown of every book the author has published to date so that you can get started on your reading journey right away.
The Culper Ring Books
Meltzer combines his passion for heart-stopping action and fascinating history to bring us this captivating three-part series starring young archivist Beecher White.
Beecher is employed at the National Archives, working on some of the nation’s most important and secretive government documents. He’s accustomed to protecting the hidden stories of others. But at the start of the series, he suddenly finds himself at the helm of his story, filled with deception and danger.
The Culper Ring Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each installment in the Culper Ring series is interconnected with the next. The characters’ stories evolve and intertwine from book to book. So, to get the most out of the series, follow the publication order listed below.
1. The Inner Circle (2011)
Beecher White is secretly thrilled when his old crush, Clementine Kaye, shows up at the National Archives looking for his help. She’s trying to track down her long-lost father. So, Beecher seizes the opportunity to impress her with his all-access pass to the National Archives.
Together, they explore the top-secret vault where the most classified documents are kept sealed shut. In this hidden vault, they stumble across a two-centuries-old priceless artifact; a dictionary that once belonged to the first president of the United States, George Washington.
But their incredible discovery is about to put them right in the heart of danger.
The Ordinary People Change the World Books
Brad Meltzer once again called upon his love of history to pen this hugely popular ongoing series for young children.
These inspirational short reads document the lives of some of the world’s most well-known and celebrated people, from Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr to Dolly Parton and Muhammad Ali. Artist Christopher Eliopoulos beautifully illustrates each page and explores the admirable character traits of these historical and contemporary American heroes.
The Ordinary People Change the World Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Ordinary People Change the World series focuses on different famous personalities. So, you can read them in any order you choose.
1. I am Abraham Lincoln (2014)
Brad Meltzer shines the spotlight on America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery and led the Union through the Civil War.
The book explores the life and times of a man who always spoke his mind and stood up for those who didn’t have a voice. It uses eye-catching comic book-style illustrations, easy-to-follow timelines, and fascinating full-color photographs,
- I am Amelia Earhart (2014)
- I am Rosa Parks (2014)
- I am Albert Einstein (2014)
- I am Jackie Robinson (2015)
- I am Lucille Ball (2015)
- I am Helen Keller (2015)
- I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (2016)
- I am George Washington (2016)
- I am Jane Goodall (2016)
- I am Jim Henson (2017)
- I am Gandhi (2017)
- I am Sacagawea (2017)
- I am Harriet Tubman (2018)
- I am Neil Armstrong (2018)
- I am Sonia Sotomayor (2018)
- I am Billie Jean King (2019)
- I am Strong (2019)
- I am Unstoppable (2019)
- I am Walt Disney (2019)
- I am Marie Curie (2019)
- I am Brave (2019)
- I am Caring (2019)
- I am Leonardo Da Vinci (2020)
- I am Curious (2020)
- I am Benjamin Franklin (2020)
- I am Anne Frank (2020)
- I am Frida Kahlo (2021)
- I am I. M. Pei (2021)
- I am Oprah Winfrey (2021)
- I am Muhammad Ali (2022)
- I am Malala Yousafzai (2022)
- I am Dolly Parton (2022)
- I am John Lewis (2023)
- I am Temple Grandin (2023)
- I am Mister Rogers (due to be published in October 2023)
The Stories Change the World Books
Meltzer recently joined forces with his long-time illustrator Chris Eliopoulos to pen a spin-off series to complement the Ordinary People Change the World books. These fun and educational books feature some of the world’s most recognizable superheroes this time.
The Stories Change the World Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each book in the Stories Change the World series focuses on a different iconic superhero. So, you can read them in any order you choose.
1. I am Batman (2022)
Young readers are introduced to the one and only Bruce Wayne, giving them a never-before-seen glimpse of his rise to becoming Batman. While he may not have the traditional superpowers of his famous comic book counterparts, he still has the determination and the drive to take on the most dangerous villains.
The Zig & Nola Books
In 2018, Brad Meltzer began a brand new series starring Jim “Zig” Zigarowski, a Dover Air Force Base pathologist who works in America’s most secretive and high-profile mortuary.
Zig sees all kinds of bodies come through his doors, and usually, he never allows his autopsies to become personal. But at the start of the series, a body comes into the mortuary with a name he recognizes. Nola Brown was his daughter’s childhood best friend, someone he knew well. But when he begins the autopsy, he discovers that the woman lying on the table is not the woman he once knew.
And so, he embarks on a mission to find the real Nola. But his quest will lead him to a dark web of secrets, lies, and conspiracy that stretches back through the generations.
The Zig & Nola Books in Reading and Publication Order
Each installment in the Zig & Nola series is interconnected with the next. The characters’ stories evolve and intertwine from book to book. So, to get the most out of the series, follow the publication order listed below.
1. The Escape Artist (2018)
Secret agent Nola Brown is dead. At least, that is what her commanding officer and the US government have led Zig to believe. But then he discovers the shocking truth that Nola is alive, well, and on the run.
But as Zig delves into Nola’s mysterious past, he learns she’s not the woman he thought she was. Trouble follows her wherever she goes, and now, it’s about to come knocking on Zig’s door.
Brad Meltzer’s Standalone Novels
Brad Meltzer has several standalone titles to explore alongside his popular series listed above. Here they are in the order they were published.
1. The Tenth Justice (1997)
After graduation from the prestigious Yale University, a fresh-faced Ben Addison takes a position as a Supreme Court clerk. But when he breaches his oath to secrecy and shares a piece of lethal classified information with the wrong person, he becomes the victim of a brutal blackmailing scheme.
Suddenly, Addison’s promising future is on shaky ground, and it’s more than just his career on the line. Soon, he’ll be fighting for his life.
- Dead Even (1998)
- The First Counsel (2001)
- The Millionaires (2002)
- The Zero Game (2004)
- The Book of Fate (2006)
- The Book of Lies (2008)
- The House of Secrets (2016) (co-written with Tod Goldberg)
- A New Day (2021) (standalone children’s book)
Brad Meltzer’s Non-Fiction Books
Brad Meltzer is most famous for his high-octane thrillers, graphic novels, and inspirational children’s books. But there are also many non-fiction works to explore.
Most of the titles below are aimed at adults. But the first two, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are there for everyone to enjoy, grownups and children alike.
Below is a list of Brad Meltzer’s non-fiction titles in the order they were published.
1. Heroes for My Son (2010)
Heroes for My Son is a collection of fifty-two biographies featuring some of the world’s most influential and inspiring people.
Packed with full-color photographs and illuminating quotes, Meltzer presents a rousing set of role models for young and old, reminding us that we all have the power to change the world.
- Heroes for My Daughter (2012)
- History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time (2013)
- The First Conspiracy (2019) (co-written with Josh Mensch)
- The Lincoln Conspiracy (2020)
- The Nazi Conspiracy (2023) (co-written with Josh Mensch)
Brad Meltzer’s Comics and Graphic Novels
Brad Meltzer has written and co-written many popular comics and graphic novels throughout his career.
Below are some of his most famous creations.
1. Green Arrow: The Archer’s Quest (2003)
Oliver Queen is back from the dead and has some unfinished business. And so, the newly minted Green Arrow heads on a journey across the United States to discover his lost pieces and what truly matters.
- Identity Crisis (2004)
- Justice League of America Vol. 1: The Tornado’s Path (2008)
- Justice League of America Vol. 2: The Lightning Saga (2009) (co-written with Geoff Johns)
- Justice League of America: The Deluxe Edition (2020) (co-written with Geoff Johns)
Conclusion
Brad Meltzer has a huge variety of work to explore, from action-packed crime thrillers and captivating comics to uplifting and educational children’s books and fascinating non-fiction.
Are you already a Brad Meltzer fan? If so, I’d love to hear your reviews and recommendations. Please drop me a comment in the box below!