Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Terrific page-turner has it all: action, humor, and heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
Abandoned as a baby, Michael Marion Magdalene Morn was raised by nuns who had no idea he could control their minds. But the odd, brilliant man who adopted him did, and by age 12 Michael was helping his geeky dad rob banks to pay the bills and buy supplies for mysterious contraptions. Michael knows he and his father are involved with shady characters, but overall they lead a peaceful, comfortable life -- until a dangerous new breed of criminals appears on the scene, with a spectacular new superhero to match. The Comet's heroics are worrisome enough, but the new villains terrify Michael. As fear grips the city, he and his dad need to decide what role they'll play in this new world order.
Is It Any Good?
MINION is a little less goofy than Sidekicked, but the very fact that it's more grounded makes it a more affecting read. Minion takes place in the same world as Sidekicked, author John David's excellent novel about an aspiring superhero sidekick, but with a bizarro spin: This time, we're cheering for the bad guys. But how bad are they, really? Michael says his father is more of a mad scientist than an evil genius, a distinction that sets the stage for fascinating conversations about morality, loyalty, personal responsibility, and where people draw the line between good and evil.
Anderson again populates his comic book world with complex, nuanced characters. The relationship between Michael and his adoptive dad is especially touching. It's a satisfying action/adventure that hits sweet notes of melancholy, humor, and hope.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Michael and his father are genuine villains. How responsible are they for what happens? How important is intent versus consequences?
Why do you think superhero stories are so popular and enduring?
How does it feel as a reader to root for villains instead of heroes?
Book Details
- Author: John David Anderson
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes , Adventures , Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Walden Pond Press
- Publication date: June 24, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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