Sidekick vs. School Lunch

Long ago I gave myself permission to ditch/skim through unworthy books, no guilt needed. This helps me blast through the many, many, many books that come across my path (thus allowing me to better perform my job--or at least that's what I tell myself!). This also makes it so much more delightful when I come across a book that I love, devour, relish--and then handsell. This week's delightful find: Sidekicked by John David Anderson--a classic "superhero" story. Drew is a sidekick-in-training--or at least he would be, if his assigned superhero was not slightly washed-up. And if he actually had some superpowers. And if he can survive high school.With just enough high school antics (girl crushes, lunchroom mystery meals) and humor to keep it grounded in reality (well, superhero reality!), this story reinforces bravery, honesty, and the courage to do the right thing. Even when it is difficult. In a literary world of teen angst, post-apocalyptic violence and school bullying, this book felt like an old hero classic written for today's kids. It's already on my staff recommendations shelf at work.