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

The Sidekick Comes of Age offers deep insight into the cultural significance and narrative power that sidekicks possess in literature. Not only does Dr. Zimmerly recognize the importance of historically popular sidekicks, he provides analysis of new and exciting sidekicks in literature who will become standards for future readers. This book is not only excellent for use in a literary survey course on Young Adult literature of popular culture, it is an accessible text for any reader who is passionate about heroes and coming of age narratives.

Alex Romagnoli, Monmouth University

The Sidekick Comes of Age challenges readers to rethink their preconceptions of sidekicks, their purposes, and their functions.

Children's Literature Association Quarterly