Wednesday, April 8, 2015

School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCullough - ADVISABLE

McCullough, Kelly School for Sidekicks, 336 p. Feiwel (Macmillan), 2015.  $17.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (lots of superhero fighting without blood and gore).

Evan Quick has always dreamed of waking up one day and having a super power like his hero, Captain Commanding did after Metamorphosis Day, when millions of people were killed, but some lucky few were imbued with super powers by the Hero Bomb.  When he is laser measured for a Mask (hero) uniform at the amusement park, things do seem to be a bit weird.  It isn’t until a run in with Spartanicus, the ultimate villain, at the Hero Museum that Evan’s powers are actually revealed and he is whisked off the Academy for Metahuman Operatives – where he is supposed to be trained as --- a sidekick.  Ouch.  And his mentor – Foxman – a washed up drunk who no one has seen in months.  Rebranded as Meerkat, Evan has a lot to learn about his powers, about the origins of metahumans, and about every metahumans’ approaching destiny. 

Nice origin story for metahumans with a very interesting destiny.  Evan is bright and personable and I enjoyed getting to know him and watching him interact with all of the various personalities around him.  This should help the sidekick/superpowers theme gain some steam.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

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