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  • Published: 29 February 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143309031
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $19.99

The Sidekicks




Will Kostakis, award-winning author of The First Third, perfectly depicts the pain and pleasure of this teenage world, piecing together three points of view with intricate splendour.

The Swimmer. The Rebel. The Nerd.

All Ryan, Harley and Miles had in common was Isaac. They lived different lives, had different interests and kept different secrets. But they shared the same best friend. They were sidekicks. And now that Isaac's gone, what does that make them?

'Gutsy, ambitious, funny, sad and beautiful.' - Melina Marchetta, Printz Award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi.

  • Published: 29 February 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143309031
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $19.99

About the author

Will Kostakis

Personally, Will Kostakis is ready to catch a ball two seconds after it’s hit him in the face. Professionally, he’s thankful he’s chosen a career that requires little (if any) coordination. After dabbling in celebrity journalism and reality TV, he now writes for young adults.

His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen, and his second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Prime Minister’s Literary awards.
The Sidekicks is his third novel for young adults.

Also by Will Kostakis

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Praise for The Sidekicks

The Sidekicks is a hypnotic story of friendship, loss, grief, self-discovery and most of all - love. Read this book. Trust me. I loved every word and you will too.

Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of 'All the Bright Places' and 'Holding Up the Universe'

Kostakis makes good use of the three characters' narratives, moving from relatable Ryan to sympathetic Harley and finally the initially unprepossessing Miles, whose inability to wear a social mask and habit of seeing his life as a movie make him a touching narrator.

Publishers Weekly

While this is Kostakis's American debut. his literary polish and deep understanding of teen storytelling is compelling and nuanced from the first page ... A memorable experience with teens who grow to absorb tragedy and build a future on its foundation. VERDICT - An excellent exploration of grief from a rising talent that belongs in al libraries serving teens. (starred review)

School Library Journal

A masterfully written story filled with heart, sorrow, and hope.

New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson

Awards & recognition

Queensland Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2016  •  Young Adult Book

Indie Book Awards

Longlisted  •  2017  •  Young Adult

Inky Awards

Longlisted  •  2017  •  Gold Inky Award for an Australian Book

NSW Premier's Literary Awards

Shortlisted  •  2017  •  Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2017  •  Older Readers

IBBY Honour Award

Awarded  •  2018  •  Ena Noel Award

The Lambda Literary Award

Finalist  •  2018  •  LGBTQ Children's/Young Adult

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Teachers' notes