Memoirs of a Sidekick

Gr 5–7—Adrian is a seventh grader whose identity is defined by his best friend Boris Snodbuckle (known as "the B-Ster"). Adrian follows Boris's various schemes submissively despite receiving numerous school suspensions and getting into trouble with his parents. The plot revolves around Boris's campaign for student body president and various other school events. In attempts to reach potential voters in the school, Adrian and Boris camp out in a tree, participate in the school's musical production of The Lion King, enter the science competition, and try to end youth hunger, all to disastrous effect. Boris's bravado and Adrian's wide-eyed worship grow a little tiresome. Although the characters and situations are heightened for dramatic effect, they represent a familiar middle school cast of characters: Boris and Adrian are dramatic and intense kids who nobody seems to understand—but are having a great time regardless.