- Graphic Novels
- Ages 8–12
- Comedy
Sidekicks: Thick as Thieves
Book 2 in SidekicksView the full series
With Captain Amazing off on holiday, a smooth-talking stranger turns up claiming to be Shifty's long-lost brother, and the other sidekicks smell a con. A twisty, heartfelt second adventure for the superpowered pets.
- Best for8–12
- FormatGraphic
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The vibe
What it’s like.
What’s it about?
The story.
Captain Amazing has retired and is off enjoying himself at the World's Biggest Ball of Yarn, and while he is away trouble finds his home. A huge data breach hits the Society of Superheroes, and a flash drive stuffed with secrets about the Captain and other heroes ends up in dangerous hands. Then a stranger named Whipley shows up on the doorstep, and the sidekicks are instantly wary, all except Shifty, who is convinced Whipley is the loving, long-lost brother he always dreamed of. When Shifty leaves with him, Manny, Roscoe and Fluffy set off in hot pursuit to uncover the truth: is Whipley really family, or is he framing the sidekicks for a scheme of his own? Dan Santat's second Sidekicks adventure mixes superhero action, real mystery and a tender story about trust and belonging.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
The second Sidekicks adventure, aimed at 8 to 12s reading alone and 7s sharing. Comic-book action rather than anything frightening, with a warm story about trust and family. It follows book one but you can enjoy it on its own.
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- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 7–10
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Works well for
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
2 / 5 · Mild
Best for
- Superhero fans
- Animal lovers
- Graphic novel lovers
- Reluctant readers
Avoid if
- Wants calm bedtime
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
A slick stranger shows up saying he is Shifty's long-lost brother, and the other pets do not buy it for a second. When Shifty runs off with him, Manny, Roscoe and Fluffy chase them down to find out the truth. It is funny, full of superhero action and packs a real mystery.
- Magic powers
- Family belonging
- The underdog winning
- Animal companions
Why parents love it
The sequel adds a proper mystery and a genuinely moving thread about wanting to belong so badly you ignore the warning signs. Santat keeps it fast and funny while giving the sidekicks real feelings, ideal for a child who wants action with heart.
- Shared humour
- Quick to read
In the series
Sidekicks.
2 books · open the series →
About the author & illustrator
Dan Santat.
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