Minion: A Funny and Emotional Superhero Adventure for Kids (Ages 8-12) About a Boy and His Villain Dad

Sidekicked #2

by John David Anderson

John David Anderson returns to the world of superheroes he created in Sidekicked with an entirely new cast of characters in Minion , a funny and emotional companion to his first breakout tween novel—perfect for superhero fans who also love the work of bestselling authors Rick Riordan, Louis Sachar, and Frank Cottrell Boyce. Michael Morn might be a villain, but he's really not a bad guy. When you live in New Liberty, there are no Supers and only two kinds of those who turn to crime and those who suffer. Michael and his adoptive father spend their days building boxes—special devices with mysterious abilities—that they sell to the mob at a price. They provide for each other, they look out for each other, and they'd never betray each other. But then a Super comes to town, and Michael's world is thrown into disarray. The Comet could destroy everything Michael and his dad have built, the safe and secure life they've made for themselves. And now Michael and his father face a to hold tight to their life or to let it unravel.

Genres: Fantasy, Superheroes, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Reviews

[Aeicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year, John David Anderson’s super-charged superhero adventure Sidekicked thrilled and entertained readers (especially this reader!), and Anderson returns to this superhero and villain filled world in Minion.

Minion, a companion, not sequel or prequel, to Sidekicked, is set in a whole new city with a whole new cast of characters. In New Liberty there are no Supers, only the haves and the have-nots. Thirteen year old Michael and his adoptive father live in the have-not side of town, yet pretty much have what they need. Michael’s father, a brilliant, mad-scientist type, works for the local mob thugs, creating special little black boxes with big abilities. Michael and his father like their life and Super-less town the way it is, but their comfort and security is threatened when a new breed of criminal mastermind appears in New Liberty and brings a Super (the Comet) hot on his tail.

Once again, John David Anderson delivers an exciting, laugh-out-loud, pitch-perfect middle-grade adventure that will have young readers enthralled from beginning to end! Minion, with its focus on the world of villains and bad guys, is a bit darker than its companion, but has a lot of surprising depth and heart.

Anderson has a real knack for spinning a wildly funny and delightfully oddball story; he clearly knows and gets his intended audience and this shines through on every page. I seriously laughed out loud through this entire book! And the humor isn’t just silly, it’s downright clever. With its high crime rate, lack of a Super, and mix of devious; bumbling; amusing villains, New Liberty makes for an oddly engaging setting. As awesome as the Super filled world of Sidekicked is, there’s just something so fun and exhilarating about exploring the world of bad guys, and from the mob boss Tony, to his competition Mickey, to a human porcupine and boulder, to a creepy evil mastermind called the Dictator, the baddies in Minion do not disappoint!

The sometimes villain (he’s only robbed a few banks and only took what he and his dad needed), but mostly good guy, Michael, is such a likable, endearing character! He has a super cool, super persuasive superpower, but is still relatably and amusingly awkward, but in a totally adorable and charming way. From his time spent as an orphan, to his complex relationship with his father, his first encounter with puppy love, and his struggle with wanting to be a good guy in a villain filled city, Anderson infuses Michael’s story with a great deal of heart, emotion, and depth.

Both Michael and readers are thrown some wicked fun curve-balls and twists, leading up to an explosive and exciting ending!

My Final Thoughts: John David Anderson takes the world of Superheroes, Villains, and superpowers to some heart-racing and breathtaking places in this series. Minion is an excellent companion to Sidekicked and, while both can be read and enjoyed separately, young readers will no doubt want to devour them together!

[Madeline J. Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-Read:
I loved Sidekicked, so I'm excited for this one!

Review:
Okay...so, I loved the book itself. BUT, the ending could have been wwaayy better...
I mean...what about his dad?! And is Viola really the Comet's sidekick? PLEASE TELL ME WHATS GOING ON! Also, the whole fight scene ended so abruptly that I was still waiting for something more... like a grand finale or something.
But all in all, I thought this was a pretty good companion to Sidekicked, (even though none of the characters from the books have anything to do with each other.)
I also really liked the relationship between Michael and his Dad. Really nice and believable.
The thing that bugged me the most was definitely the ending.
But if you liked Sidekicked, I think you will appreciate this book well enough.
4/5.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I needed a little pallet cleansing. After reading so many hot PNR books I have to numb my mind a little.

Minion is a YA humorous with a little bit of action sprinkled here and there. Michael spends most of his youth in an orphanage and realizes that he has powers, the power of persuasion.

One dark an lonely day, not really I just wanted to say that, Michael is adopted and whisked away to the only home is to know. His step father is somewhat of an inventor and he makes black boxes with all kinds of goodies inside and sells them to the highest bidder, which is normally the bad guys.

This story is about love and hope, the loss of a normal childhood and the pain of being a part of a family, even if it is just a man and his son. It took me no time to complete this book and it was really a lot of fun.

[Mermista · Rating 1 out of 5]

So this (racist, sexist) book is about a kid named Michael who gets adopted from an orphanage led by nuns and gets involved with crime. His adoptive father is a mad scientist who makes tools for criminals. They live in a fictional city called New Liberty with supervillains and heroes, and occasionally rob banks together.

I hated it for several reasons:

1. It was sooooo boring! Literally nothing happens in the first 100 pages. I found myself skimming ahead multiple times to see when anything vaguely interesting or mildly important would show up in the plot. For a superhero-related book, the pacing is terrible, which ultimately makes the book unengaging.

2. The casual sexism was quite jarring. I know this book was written in 2014, etc., but it felt like the main character (Michael) went out of his way to say these subtly misogynistic things. On the fourth page of the book, he notes that a woman working at a bank wears "too much makeup masking a potentially pretty face." Then later he tells her, "You shouldn't wear so much mascara. Your eyes are pretty enough." Why was any of this necessary? As if that wasn't annoying enough, he also tells a girl, "You're pretty good at video games...you know...for a girl." What a nice and intelligent thing to say to someone.

3. Then there's the main issue with this book, which is the blatant and outrageous racism. There is a character named Aziz who owns a mechanical-type shop, where Michael goes to get sciency supplies for his father. Aziz is first described in the story as a "high-strung Indian", who Michael notes looks "like a shaman". This sounds vaguely offensive, but it gets worse later in the book when Michael goes to Aziz's shop again. Here is a compilation of all the racist statements that ensue:
"...I say, handing it over, following the nodding Indian to the front of the store."
"Aziz...stuffs (the gun) in the back of his pants Lethal Weapon-style: a five-foot-six, Hindi-speaking techno-geek with a Beretta in his belt."
"Aziz...(pulls) me to the storeroom, musty with dust and smelling like cardamom..."
"'Haramzada!'...He spins and falls through his own backdoor into his storeroom like a drunken ballerina...curling up and clutching his wounded foot...he continues to curse me in a language I don't know."
"I take two more quick turns...looking behind me constantly for flashing lights or cussing, spitting, hopping-mad Indians."

Need I say more? There is also a weird racist part about a Black guy in a car with Michael around the middle of the book that seemed very stereotypical and offensive: "...he points to the very large black man riding shotgun. 'And that's Indiana Jones.'...Indiana Jones turns to me. When he speaks, it sounds like a hundred bass drums thrumming inside a cave. ''Member in that first movie when he's bein' chased by that giant freakin' boulder?' I nod meekly. Indiana Jones points to himself with both thumbs. 'I'm the boulder.' I swallow hard. 'Then why not call yourself Avalanche or Rockman or something?' The giant scowls at me. I can see he is missing several teeth. 'Because I'm Indiana freaking Jones. You got a problem with that?' I definitely do not have a problem with that."

Aziz and Indiana Jones are the only characters of color in the entire book, by the way. It seems that people of color only exist in this book to be exaggerated, dehumanized racial stereotypes.

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I didn't really know what to expect. But this is a great read. It kept me on the edge of my seat. There are good characters, bad characters and then there are the ones in between good and bad. Which is where I would put Michael and his dad. I think middle school readers will really enjoy this. And there is a perfect (in my mind) set up for a sequel. If the author is so inclined.....

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic book! A perfect companion novel to SideKicked. This story is told from the perspective of the "bad guys" and criminals, hoping not to be caught by the superheroes. It's not a sequel to SideKicked though, because all the characters are new. Different people, different city, different story.

I thought it was very interesting that the word "minion" comes from and old French word "mignon" meaning "darling". It explores the meaning of good and evil and the limits of family relationships, friendships, and romance. Really deep stuff, but told with such an action-filled plot and beautifully complex characters. This book tugged at my soul!

Michael Morn is an orphan, whose adopted father is a genius scientist who makes gadgets for criminals. So Michael is in the criminal world sort of by default. He hasn't really decided to be evil, but as circumstances fall into place around him, he gets sucked deeper into the criminal agenda. His character is so delightfully thoughtful and introspective. He really soaks in the world around him, and we get to experience the ups and downs of the story through his eyes and heart.

Every supporting character is so weird and different and interesting! You never really know what to expect from these separate hierarchies of bad guys. Some are really evil, some are small-time, some are basically good guys in bad circumstances. Then there are the actual superheroes and cops, who are supposed to be the ones shining the light of goodness on the world, but they also have choices to make that put them in gray areas. It's all so deliciously complicated and convoluted, then it comes down to that one moment of decision for our main character. Just gorgeous writing!

I really loved reading about the relationship between Michael and his adopted father. They have this wonderful trust and love between them that colors the entire the story. Of course, Michael is a teen finding his way, rebelling against authority, discovering his identity both 'with' and 'apart from' his father. So the father-son relationship is rocky at times, but there's this assurance that those two will always have each other's back.

I would have given it 5 stars, but the author uses two of my pet peeves- he bad-mouths religion, and leaves the ending hanging. I need a solid ending with plenty of closure, not this open-ended, artsy, poignant stuff! I need every loose thread tied up in a neat bow at the end! However, I can appreciate that the ending is well-written and it IS poignant. It's not the style I happen to like, but other people would probably love it.

I love love love this author! Can't wait to read more of his work!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher or author in exchange for a free and honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please don't let my poor review of this book keep you from forming your own opinions. The writing and everything are all very excellent. Really truly.

But I can't help but think of the UC Santa Barbara shooter's words in some of Michael's monologues, and for me, that was a trigger that made this book nearly impossible for me to finish. Like in Sidekicks, the women (who, also like in Sidekicks, are all beautiful) are not valuable. Also, by "women," I mean Viola and the TV news reporter, WHO ARE THE ONLY TWO WOMEN IN THIS BOOK.

[Maggie Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I just love these books. I like this one more than Sidekicked even though it's about the bad guys! They are exciting and funny and the characters are truly lovable, even when they are breaking the rules.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slower to read than Sidekicked and it almost felt more YA but I did like it. The more of Dave's books I read, the more I like him. He has a way of combining humor, emotion and excitement into one and is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be a continuation of the first book in the series. Instead, it is like the flip side of a coin. Where the first book focuses on the sidekicks of the heroes, this one focuses on the minions. Minions are of course the sidekicks of the villains. I guess not everyone wants to grow up to be a hero, right?

This was just a really fun read. The characters were crazy with their powers and evil ways, and yet, at the same time, really kind of relatable. The fact that Michael has a great power, but still struggles within himself about whether he should use it or not brings something deeper to an otherwise pretty light-hearted read. He doesn't want to force anyone to do anything, even though he has the power to do so. This makes him a great protagonist, because the reader can feel the internal struggle going on between right and wrong in his head.

I would really like to see him interact with the characters from the first book to see if he ends up switching sides. He has always been on the side of evil, but it just didn't seem like his heart was really in it. It seemed to be peer pressure more than anything that caused him to act the way he did. If he was away from all the people that were leading him down that path and met the sidekicks, would that make a difference? I don't know, it doesn't really matter, it has nothing to do with the book, just my mind wondering. With there being two books in this series with different locations and characters, I would really like to see what would happen if they were combined. Maybe there will be more books and my questions will be answered.

Author: John David Anderson
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Publication Date: June 24th 2014

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like John David Andersons' idea of super heroes in a real world....fun. In this sequel to Sidekicked he puts us in a town where there is no super and the mob has control. Michael's father is an inventor who makes money from designing devices for the mob to use as well as using Michael to rob banks. Yes, he uses his young adopted son to rob banks. But Michael has a power that keeps him safe. He can manipulate minds making people do his bidding. It takes great concentration and they must look him in the eye but once they do he has them. They have a nice little business going until a super comes to town and threatens to change everything. The Dictator and his minions have infiltrated the unprotected city hence the appearance of the Comet to save the day. Michael and his father are basically good people but his fathers inventions are being used for evil. Getting caught in the middle with seemingly no way out they end up fighting for their lives.

[Bemerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot to say about this novel and I know I can’t do it justice. To this day this story gives me goosebumps and makes me tear up. I must have first read a half dozen years ago now but it has a grip on my subconscious that great American classics have never come close to rivaling. This is the story of a boy just trying to understand the world he is in, and it is told with deliberate pacing and smart humor, and most importantly, compassion. This story makes you want to be a better person, and you don’t have to care about the grandiose plot or the cliche elements. It’s character driven and that’s what you should focus on. These are some of the most real characters you have ever, and will ever read about. Consider this book, and don’t worry if you have or haven’t read the first in the series yet.

[Cobb Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

John David Anderson's writing style is engaging, and this book is no exception. Minion is a fascinating look at the life of someone who could be described as a "supervillian sidekick." His father is a genius who is always creating boxes that do amazing things. Meanwhile, Michael (our protagonist) is able to influence the minds of others--a great skill to have when you need some extra cash, and want to rob a bank.

Usually, a concept like this would almost assuredly be home to a comedic book. But Anderson instead surprises us by showing us the struggles that Michael and his father have, being poor, and trying to maintain a sense of morality--and we sympathize with them in their plights.

A fantastic emotional journey with super-powers, Minion gets five stars.

[John Repplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent super versus villains story from the perspective of Michael, a fourteen-year-old adopted boy with his own special power to persuade people to do what he says. New Liberty has been left to mid-level villains and crime lords, without the protection of a superhero and only the police to keep crime in check. Michael helps his brilliant adopted father to build devices that assist the ambitions of the criminal element, but things get out of control when a new supervillain and superhero arrive on the scene.

Anderson keeps readers engaged with unexpected plot twists, engaging characters, and an unforgettable storyline. Those who enjoyed the series of Marie Lu's Legend and Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart will enjoy this lighthearted and comical novel.

[mandyfujita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reader is introduced to Michael Marion Magdalene Morn. He is robbing a bank with a fake bomb strapped to his body. As he and his dad drive away, Mike tells us he is adopted from St. Mary of the Woods School for Wayward Boys.
He has a power to make people do his bidding. His dad, Benjamin Edson is an inventor. He robs banks to support his inventions. They live in an area where people pay the mob for protection. The stability of the community is threatened when masked men start robbing banks and a Blue Super Hero comes out of the sky to save the community.
The story is kind of far fetchex. Although this book is a companoon to "Sidekicked", it was kind of drawn out.

[Kaitlyn B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Loved Sidekicked so much and I was so excited to read this. And I wasn’t at all disappointed! This book made me laugh far more than the other and it had a very similar main character. I loved it.
But I have two complaints: one minor, one major.
The minor one is the love interest was annoying, but then again very few aren’t.
But the major one is the ending! No spoilers, but he leaves a lot of unanswered questions and it’s been almost 4 years and I can’t find anything about a sequel?? He leaves far too much hanging that I would like to know!

[Jennifer Beckmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minion was a much better book than the first Sidekicked book. Minion has a much better set of characters and a better story-line. Minion tells the story of a boy, Michael, who is sometimes a villain, but mostly good and trying to figure out what to finally become (in true teen confusion). He has an adoptive father who is a criminal with enduring relationship with Michael. When Michael's father gets into trouble with other villains, Michael has to step up and come into his own.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you recall, I recommended the book "Sidekicked" to your readers sometime ago. I really loved it and I think your kiddo did too. This is a companion novel set in the same world. I thought it was really well written and I did enjoy it. Michael does develop a crush on a girl and although nothing "happens," he talks a lot about how much he likes her (in his head, not to anyone).

Found in L4M OT Volume 69.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me a a lot of the movie Megamind.
What, you might say, they have nothing in common.
but they do
Evil can be good
that in mind
I really want to read the first book and can't wait for the third one

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun superhero novel that had a good balance of adventure and the inevitable teenage-romance-drama. I really liked the themes of looking at the life of someone who grew up on the "bad guy" side of things, and their perspective on everything. I would love to see more of these characters.

[R.A. Oke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning does drag a bit, but it speeds up towards the end. It’s harder to find the plot, but the bond between his adoptive father and the main character is strong. I do wish there were more main female presences though.

[theStorykeeper · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: violence, references to death (including animal death)

Not what I expected, or at all what I remember of Sidekicked. The story was quite slow and meandering outside of the handful of fight scenes. At times it read more like an essay than a novel. Ending was anticlimactic.

[Ariel Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked if better if I hadn’t listened to the audiobook. I did not enjoy the narrator’s voice. I’ll have to read the text version to see what I truly think about it.

Full review coming soon

[Scar :D · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, the pacing was a bit slow and the whole narrative of being a villian could have been explored/developed a little bit more.

Also the main character was much of a simp for my liking lol.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a great companion to Sidekicked (but not a sequel). I liked the reverse view of villainy

[Jessica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that was much less straightforward and far more thought provoking than Sidekicked. Is there really good and evil, or is it all just in between? Where, and for whom, will you draw the line?

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not great. An easy read kinda spoiled by the weird ending
Read it if you have nothing better (talk about damned with faint praise!)

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with an unsatisfying ending.

[Linnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than Sidekicked, its companion! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beginning! Read it!

[KP · Rating 5 out of 5]

realistic as possible with a robust world building. Kid meets girl while life is being unraveled by uncontrollable circumstances with incredible realism. 10/10! :p