Josh Millerton has a problem--because everyone thinks he has a problem. Sure, he's a middle child. He has two obnoxious older brothers and an annoying younger one. But he likes himself and has his own way of dealing with everything. Then he writes a paper for school and gets everyone on his case. His life would be so much simpler if people would stop trying to fix what isn't wrong!
This was a very US experience, which I am trying to avoid at the moment to show my distaste for Trump and the people who voted for him (sorry to raise politics) but still it had a few charms. I like the word spelunking! What amazes me is how mean people are - like the brothers & school peers - & how few consequences there are for these people. Is this normal for the USA? I know I went to school back in the olden days when people were vaguely civilised, & only had sisters but still I am amazed by the tolerance of the main hero, who only wants to be a sidekick, but can't help feeling if he accepted less he might make the society around him better - although I suppose it would make him a less likeable character. I was disappointed that just as exciting things happened, it ended. I enjoyed reading the novel. It certainly expanded my view of the world - which is surely one of the main reasons to read.
Every Hero Needs a Sidekick is a charming, quick read about a young boy who is perfectly happy being the sidekick rather than the hero - and about the grown-ups who insist on complicating matters.
The book is not my usual genre (I don’t read a lot of children’s fiction), but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and as a mum of three boys, it actually gave a lot of food for thought! The writing is excellent and makes the story flow smoothly. An enjoyable & fun book, and I’m sure kids will relate to the main character!