Sidekicks

Snappy, pulp-inspired noir set in the mean hallways of middle school, from an exciting debut author.

 

The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. “The Frank” is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny “Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and black-market candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water-gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in “the Outs” forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. Hes avoided being pulled into Vinnys organization until now: Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he cant resist, one that leads to the surprising downfall of Vinnys top assassin, the beautiful and deadly Nikki “Fingers” Finnegan, at the hands of an unknown assailant. Matt thinks he was used, and he becomes determined to find the trigger-guy or -girl, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends.

 New talent Jack D. Ferraiolo revitalizes the noir novel while delivering a terrific, addictive mystery that crackles with wit and excitement.   “Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what weve always suspected: its a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. ‘The Big Splash will make you laugh out loud.”—Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

“Move over Bogart; now there's hard-boiled private detective Matt Stevens on the job at Franklin Middle School ... You could call this genre kid noir.”—Judy Freeman, on the "Sure Shot Books for Boys" list on readkiddoread.com

“Entertaining and thrilling.”--The New York Times Sunday Book Review (full page review)

“A first novel with an ingenious premise: junior high noir … Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing. With crisp prose and surprisingly poignant moments, Ferraiolos debut entertains on many levels.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”--Library Media Connection starred review

“Matt Stevens may turn out to be a bankable franchise: His first-person present-tense narration carries in it echoes of Marlowe, and the simple plot makes some crafty twists and turns as it goes along.”--Kirkus

“Ferraiolo cleverly interweaves Mafia undertones with Middle School social dynamics in this comical yet page turning novel.  Young adult mystery enthusiasts will love the unmasking of this new sleuth in literature.”--ALAN

“Ferraiolo has taken us down, in a manner of speaking. Good fun, and the comic-book style cover will attract readers.”—KLIATT reviews

“This fabulous mystery will have teens racing to get to the last page…A great whodunit mystery lovers are sure to consume.”—VOYA

“This debut novel delivers plenty of laughs … Fans of private-eye spoofs will enjoy this entertaining read.”—Booklist

“Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.”—School Library Journal

“Ferraiolo shines in this debut novel, working the noir tropes for all theyre worth … The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til the last bell.”—Bulletin for the Center of Childrens Books

“If middle school has an “underworld,” this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, its funny, and not just a little.”—Gordon Korman, author of SCHOOL OF ROCK

F&P level: W

Batman has Robin, Wonder Woman has Wonder Girl, and Phantom Justice has Bright Boy, a.k.a. Scott Hutchinson, an ordinary schoolkid by day and a superfast, superstrong sidekick by night, fighting loyally next to his hero.

But after an embarrassing incident involving his too-tight spandex costume, plus some signs that Phantom Justice may not be the good guy he pretends to be, Scott begins to question his role. With the help of a fellow sidekick, once his nemesis, Scott must decide if growing up means being loyal or stepping boldly to the center of things. Great for boys, comics fans, and anyone looking for a superhero tale thats also an insightful look at adolescence.

Batman has Robin, Wonder Woman has Wonder Girl, and Phantom Justice has Bright Boy, a.k.a. Scott Hutchinson, an ordinary schoolkid by day and a superfast, superstrong sidekick by night, fighting loyally next to his hero. 

But after an embarrassing incident involving his too-tight spandex costume, plus some signs that Phantom Justice may not be the good guy he pretends to be, Scott begins to question his role. With the help of a fellow sidekick, once his nemesis, Scott must decide if growing up means being loyal or stepping boldly to the center of things.

Praise for Sidekicks

*STARRED REIVEW*

“Scotts present-tense narration keeps pedal to the metal from start to finish, and readers will be quickly won over as the two super-strong, super-fast, super-likable protagonists face both inner conflicts and a Dark Knight-ish villain as deeply psychotic and scary as he is super powerful. Look for more twists than a pretzel factory and a possible sequel.” -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*STARRED REVIEW*

“A delightfully clever take on superheroes with this unpredictable adventure. Engaging territory as Ferraiolo reveals the storys true depths.” -Publishers Weekly, starred review 

“An exciting, lightning-paced superhero plot that is also a thoughtful examination of superheroism.” 

-The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

“Ferraiolo starts the cape-flying action right from the opening pages. Ferraiolo is delightfully unafraid to inject irreverence into the superhero formula, adding plenty of humor to the high adventure high jinks.” 

-Booklist

Scott Hutchinson has an alternate identity as Bright Boy, the sidekick of Phantom Justice, but with the help of his rival sidekick, Monkeywrench, Scott begins to question whether Phantom Justice is really a hero, which leads to a dangerous confrontation.

Michael Buckley is at his comic best in this madcap new series sure to appeal to kids looking for a quick, exciting read.

Combining all the excitement of international espionage and all the awkwardness of elementary school, NERDS, featuring a group of unpopular students who run a spy network from inside their school, hits the mark. With the help of cutting-edge science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and transformed into incredible abilities! They battle the Hyena, a former junior beauty pageant contestant turned assassin, and an array of James Bondandndash;style villains, each with an evil plan more diabolical and more ridiculous than the last.

FandP level: V

Praise for NERDS

andldquo;An action-packed, tongue-in-cheek take on the world of superheroes and villains. The pacing is quick and the action is plentifulandmdash;kids will almost hear the sound effects as they read. NERDS brings a worthy message to the foreandmdash;that uncool kids can grow up to be anything but. Funny, clever, and thoroughly entertaining, this title should be popular.andrdquo;

andndash;School Library Journal

andquot;The unique format of this book, combined with the imaginative and playful storyline, will appeal to many readers.andquot;

andndash;Children's Literature

Jack D. Ferraiolo grew up in southern Connecticut and still considers middle school to be the toughest time of his life.  He currently lives in northern Massachusetts with his wife, Teryse, and daughter, Emily.  He has been writing and editing for television animation for close to ten years.  He recently developed, and currently writes for WordGirl on PBS, for which he won an Emmy.  The Big Splash is his first novel.