Sidekicks (2010)
Sidekick Rules:
- Distract, don't engage
- Let your superhero have the spotlight
- Remember, the hero is the "cool, dark, mysterious" one; you're the "goofball"
- Chant your superhero's catchphrase on cue (no matter how corny it is)
- Wear your costume (even if it makes you look like a tool)
Batman has Robin, Wonder Woman has Wonder Girl, and Phantom Justice has Bright Boy, a.k.a. Scott Hutchinson, an ordinary dude by day and a super-fast, super-strong sidekick by night, fighting loyally next to his hero...despite his doubts about the social benefits of wearing yellow tights. After an embarrassing incident involving said tights and the revelation that his lifelong nemesis, supervillain sidekick Monkeywrench, might be one of the most popular kids at school, Scott begins to question his role. How long can he stay on the sidelines and still hope to have a life?
Reviews
"The author...takes the "costumed superheroes" genre out for a joyride, and anyone who comes along will never look at comics the same way again. ...keeps pedal to the metal from start to finish, and readers will quickly be 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."
-Kirkus, Starred Review
"Ferraiolo...delivers a delightfully clever take on superheroes with this unpredictable adventure. What starts as a tongue-in-cheek sendup of the superhero genre...rapidly swerves into new and engaging territory as Ferraiolo reveals the story's true depths."
-Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"...I had to continue reading it as soon as I started because it is so difficult to put down. Anyone who likes superhero comic books or the Disney movie Sky High will definitely love this story-it was really fun to read because the main characters are so likable. ...The story really draws in the reader and makes them want to see what happens, especially when the plot twists about a third of the way through the story."
-School Library Journal Book Reviews by Young Adults, Hilary L., age 17
The Big Splash (now in paperback! Yowza!)
Matt Stevens is as tough as a steak from the school cafeteria. He's a seventh-grade private eye, and he just did something he said he'd never do: He accepted a job from Vincent "Vinny Biggs" Biggio, the kid behind every shady deal made at Franklin Middle School, from black-market candy to forged hall passes. Get on the wrong side of Vinny and you'll find yourself in the Outs, the least popular "club" in school. How do you get there? Water strategically splattered below your belt for maximum humiliation.
When Nicole Finnegan, aka Nikki Fingers, the most feared squirt-gun assassin at "The Frank," is put in the Outs, Matt is sure he's to blame and is determined to find the trigger kid. Problem is, Nikki has more enemies than a snitch during a final exam. Every kid in school is a suspect. Matt had better watch his back, and especially his front, as he tackles a case with more twists than a candy addict in a swivel chair.
Reviews
2009 Edgar Award Nominee
2008 VOYA Top of the Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers
“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, Ferraiolo’s debut entertains on many levels.”
-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we've always suspected: It's a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. The Big Splash will make you laugh out loud."
-Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
"Entertaining and thrilling."
--New York Times Book Review
“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”
-Library Media Connection, starred review
"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 they’re worth… The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til’ the last bell.”
-Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
"If middle school has an 'underworld,' this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it's funny, and not just a little."
-Gordon Korman, author of Born to Rock
When Nicole Finnegan, aka Nikki Fingers, the most feared squirt-gun assassin at "The Frank," is put in the Outs, Matt is sure he's to blame and is determined to find the trigger kid. Problem is, Nikki has more enemies than a snitch during a final exam. Every kid in school is a suspect. Matt had better watch his back, and especially his front, as he tackles a case with more twists than a candy addict in a swivel chair.
Reviews
2009 Edgar Award Nominee
2008 VOYA Top of the Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers
“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, Ferraiolo’s debut entertains on many levels.”
-Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we've always suspected: It's a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. The Big Splash will make you laugh out loud."
-Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
"Entertaining and thrilling."
--New York Times Book Review
“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”
-Library Media Connection, starred review
"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 they’re worth… The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til’ the last bell.”
-Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
"If middle school has an 'underworld,' this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it's funny, and not just a little."
-Gordon Korman, author of Born to Rock
