Description
Book SynopsisLiterary sidekicks like Dr. Watson and Robin the Boy Wonder have not been the singular subject of a significant critical studyuntil now. Using young adult literature (YA) to study the sidekick reveals new and exciting ways to understand these kinds of characters and this kind of literature. YA has embraced the sidekick, recognizing the way the character reflects the importance of growth and finding one's place in the world. The nature of many YA texts allows sidekicks to grow beyond literary or historical origins. This includes letting sidekicks evolve over the course of multiple texts, using parallel novels to add complexity to a sidekick's characterization, and telling a story from the sidekick's perspective, paradoxically making the sidekick the hero. A singularly focused and prolonged study helps to establish sidekick scholarship as a burgeoning field in and of itself.
Trade ReviewZimmerly's book is a fun, informative, and accessible work that shows deep knowledge of and appreciation for a wealth of young adult literature. The book has a solid grounding in theory and an engaging style, making it a text that academics and YA readers can both enjoy. Zimmerly has provided a strong foundation for sidekick studies, showing the depth, creativity, and flexibility of the sidekick role, while also pointing the way towards further avenues of research. This is a great contribution to literary studies! -- Kristen Geaman, University of Toledo
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Using Young Adult Literature to Study Sidekicks Chapter One: Four Classic Sidekick Roles: Exploring Sidekicks as Narrative Gateways, Devil’s Advocates, Comic Relief, and Foils Chapter Two: Family Ties: An Investigation into the Potential Familial Relationships between Heroes and Sidekicks Chapter Three: The Secondary Hero: Neville Longbottom and Tenar as Sidekicks-Turned-Heroes Chapter Four: The Sidekick Sequel: Reinventing Sidekicks through Parallel Novels Chapter Five: The Self-Aware Sidekick: Studying Sidekicks in First-Person Sidekick Superhero Stories Conclusion Bibliography About the Author
