Not Your Sidekick (Sidekick Squad Book 1)
#1 of 4 in Sidekick Squad Series
on Goodreads (8,653)
What’s inside...
Welcome to Andover, where superpowers are common, but internships are complicated. Just ask high school nobody, Jessica Tran. Despite her heroic lineage, Jess is resigned to a life without superpowers and is merely looking to beef up her college applications when she stumbles upon the perfect (paid!) internship--only it turns out to be for the town's most heinous supervillain. On the upside, she gets to work with her longtime secret crush, Abby, whom Jess thinks may have a secret of her own. Then there's the budding attraction to her fellow intern, the mysterious 'M,' who never seems to be in the same place as Abby. But what starts as a fun way to spite her superhero parents takes a sudden and dangerous turn when she uncovers a plot larger than heroes and villains altogether.
Character compass
Jessica Tran
Bells Broussard
Abby
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in the main character, and why?
How do you think the character's superpowers change their interactions with others?
This book explores the theme of identity. How do you think discovering who you are is important?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes and faced their challenges?
How does the concept of friendship evolve throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the character's decisions and the consequences they face.
Discuss the real-world implications of the book’s themes, such as identity and heroism, and relate them to your child’s experiences.
Use examples from the book to talk about courage and resilience in difficult situations.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times when they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Ask your child how they might use their own 'superpowers'—their unique skills and talents—to help others or make a difference.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The characters in 'Not Your Sidekick' come from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and representation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist and their friends collaborate to overcome challenges, highlighting the strengths of working in a team.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to collaborate with others, which can enhance problem-solving skills and group dynamics in classroom projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Value of Integrity
Explanation: Characters face moral dilemmas and learn the importance of honesty and doing what's right, despite the challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of honesty in their daily interactions and the impact of their choices on others.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The story promotes understanding and accepting one’s identity, including any superpowers or unique traits one might have.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and strengths, boosting self-esteem and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up for What is Right
Explanation: Characters often take stands against injustice, showing bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to speak out against unfairness they witness in school or their community, promoting a sense of justice and advocacy.