The Sidekick Comes of Age: How Young Adult Literature is Shifting the Sidekick Paradigm

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Literary 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 ones 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 sidekicks characterization, and telling a story from the sidekicks 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.

Reviews

Zimmerly'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

Author Bio

Stephen M. Zimmerly is assistant professor of English at the University of Indianapolis.