Big Nate Code Red! (Volume 34) by Lincoln Peirce

If you’ve ever survived middle school (or are currently enduring it), you know it’s a battlefield of awkwardness, pranks, and unexpected friendships. Lincoln Peirce’s Big Nate: Code Red! (Volume 34) captures that chaotic energy perfectly, delivering another laugh-out-loud installment in the beloved graphic novel series.

For over three decades, Nate Wright—the mischievous, self-proclaimed "sixth-grade genius"—has entertained readers with his antics, and Code Red! proves he hasn’t lost his touch. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book is a must-read. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

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Big Nate: Code Red! kicks off with Nate and his friends facing a classic middle school dilemma: a rivalry between their school, P.S. 38, and Jefferson Middle. When a harmless prank war escalates, Nate finds himself in the middle of a full-blown "Code Red" situation—where teachers crack down on troublemakers, and detention becomes a daily ritual.

Without spoiling too much, the story follows Nate’s attempts to navigate:

• A school-wide crackdown on mischief
• His usual struggles with homework (or lack thereof)
• A hilarious yet disastrous attempt to impress his crush
• The ever-present feud with his nemesis, Gina

Peirce keeps the pacing sharp, blending standalone comic strips with an overarching narrative. The result? A book that’s easy to binge in one sitting but packed with enough humor and heart to leave a lasting impression.

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Nate is the same overconfident, underachieving kid we adore, but Code Red! gives him a few moments of surprising depth. His schemes backfire (as always), but we also see flashes of genuine loyalty—especially when his friends need him.

Nate’s best friends provide the perfect comedic balance. Francis, the voice of (questionable) reason, and Teddy, the lovable goofball, make every scene they’re in shine.

Gina remains Nate’s academic and disciplinary foil, but Code Red! hints at a begrudging respect between them. Their dynamic is one of the series’ strongest elements.

No Big Nate book is complete without Nate’s long-suffering teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. Her exasperated reactions to Nate’s antics are comedy gold.

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Peirce’s writing is fast, funny, and effortlessly relatable. His comic-strip format keeps the energy high, with punchlines landing every few panels. The dialogue feels authentic to middle schoolers—full of sarcasm, exaggerated drama, and the occasional heartfelt moment.

What sets Code Red! apart is how Peirce balances:

• Visual humor (Nate’s exaggerated facial expressions are priceless)
• Running gags (Detention, anyone?)
• Subtle character growth (Nate almost learns a lesson… sometimes)

It’s a masterclass in middle-grade storytelling—simple enough for young readers but witty enough for adults to enjoy.

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At first glance, Big Nate seems like pure comedy, but Peirce sneaks in some surprisingly deep themes:

• Friendship & Loyalty – Nate’s schemes often fail, but his friends stick by him.
• Consequences of Actions – Pranks have repercussions, even if Nate doesn’t always admit it.
• Self-Awareness (or Lack Thereof) – Nate’s overconfidence is hilarious, but it also makes him relatable.

These themes never feel forced—they’re woven naturally into the humor, making the book both entertaining and subtly meaningful.

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As someone who grew up with Big Nate, reading Code Red! felt like catching up with an old friend. The jokes landed perfectly, the pacing kept me hooked, and Nate’s ridiculous schemes had me laughing out loud.

One standout moment? Nate’s attempt to "hack" the school’s PA system—a disaster so absurd yet so Nate that it’s instantly memorable.

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If you love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dog Man, Big Nate fits right in. But while Jeff Kinney’s series leans into cringe humor and Dav Pilkey’s books embrace absurdity, Peirce strikes a unique balance—his humor is sharp but never mean-spirited, and Nate’s flaws make him oddly endearing.

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✅ Consistently funny – Peirce’s humor never misses.
✅ Great for reluctant readers – The comic format is accessible.
✅ Nostalgic yet fresh – Longtime fans and new readers will both enjoy it.

❌ Predictable at times – If you’ve read other Big Nate books, some jokes feel familiar.
❌ Nate’s growth is minimal – He’s still the same troublemaker, which might frustrate some.

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• Middle-grade readers (8-12) – Perfect for fans of graphic novels.
• Parents & educators – A great way to engage reluctant readers.
• Nostalgic adults – If you grew up with Big Nate, this is a fun revisit.

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"I don’t always think things through. But when I do… I still don’t think things through." – Nate Wright

"Detention isn’t punishment. It’s a lifestyle." – Francis

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Big Nate: Code Red! delivers exactly what fans expect—hilarious chaos, relatable middle-school drama, and a protagonist who never learns (but we love him anyway). If you’re looking for a book that’s pure fun with a side of heart, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions:

• Do you think Nate will ever truly grow up, or is his charm in his flaws?
• Which Big Nate character do you relate to the most?
• What’s your favorite Big Nate prank of all time?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

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