The School Secret

by Daniel Wentzel

When Doctor Donovan spies thirteen-year-old Bobby fighting to keep a bully away from a younger child, Bobby is invited to attend Donovan’s Academy. The classes are intense, and it’s only with the help of Ivana, the brilliant (and just as arrogant) girl who’s been assigned to show him around, that he makes it through his first day.


But Donovan’s Academy holds a secret. Doctor Donovan (a former teen sidekick) is training the next generation of superheroes. When Bobby learns the real purpose of Donovan’s Academy, he’s thrilled but unsure he has a place there without powers of his own. Plus, how does he keep his pacifist mother from finding out about the martial arts classes (not to mention the girl with laser eyes)?


Soon, though, it’s time for him to find out if he’s a hero. Ivana’s supervillain father has come to claim her, and only Bobby can save her.

Genres: Childrens

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2017

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "voice" of the narrator is engaging and the story has nice twists that I didn't see coming.

There was one editing miss that bugged me, but the characters more than made up for it.

For middle school readers, a solid five. For adults that like to read middle school level books, also a five.

[Erin Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining and addicting read! Engaging, funny and even moving. Recommended for all superhero fans great and small!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The School Secret (Sidekick Academy Book 1) is a very engaging read, even for an adult. The pace was perfect, with characters you started to genuinely care far and want to know more about. Yes, this is considered a middle grade read, but the story is great and I found myself remembering my first days at a new school, teachers that would become my favorites, friends that I still have today and, of course, those kids that I just didn’t get along with. It is very easy to get immersed in the story and look up to see you’ve spent hours reading (this is probably the highest praise I can give a book).

As a former children’s literature specialist for a book store, and years of working in a library, I can say that this is a great read for the middle grade age range. I’ve recommended it without hesitation to friends for their children because it has both a great story and I think it shows people trying to do their best no matter what their abilities (without hitting the reader over the head with a “teachable moment” or detracting from the action of the story).

Best of all, though #1 in a series it can be read as a standalone. Of course, I personally cannot wait to see what Dan Wentzel brings us for the next adventure!

[Timothy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. The narration keeps one's attention very well. The plot twists come at just the right times and provide just the right amount of suspense release. The only issue that I can think of is one or two editing mistakes.

I look forward to the next installment of this series!

[KinNC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The every day and down to earth narration led to surprises when fantasy elements were introduced. The characters are vey well developed for the first in a series. I can't wait for more.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean read, great plot. Can't wait to see what happens next!!!

[Elisa Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm hearted adventure of mystery and friendship

I can wait to share this with my sons. A true gem that has a good heart behind the adventure