Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL.

Way of the Warrior Kid: from Wimpy to Warrior the Navy Seal Way by Jocko Willink, illustrated by Jon Bozak.  Feiwel & Friends, 2017, 182 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10

Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially boys

Marc is the fifth-grade class wimp—not an enviable position when you’re scared of water, can’t even do one good pull-up and seem to be the class bully’s favorite catch toy. But when Uncle Jake comes to stay for the summer (before starting college classes in the fall), Marc is going to change—big time.  Uncle Jake is a Navy SEAL! And though it’s hard to believe, he was once a 70-lb weakling like his nephew.  If Marc wants to change his path and stop creeping through life, jumping at every sound, Uncle Jake has a plan.  Starting with those pull-ups.

Though billed as a “novel” (author is a Navy SEAL), this story is better described as a 12-step program to Your Best Body Now.  Swimming, working out, early rising, healthy eating, and martial arts all play a role, but Uncle Jake’s secret ingredient for success (and hardly a secret) is good old-fashioned self-discipline.  “We all want freedom, Marc . . . That’s what my friends and I fought for overseas.  Freedom is the best thing in the world.  But freedom isn’t free.  If you want true freedom in life, you have to have discipline.”  It’s not all body-building; humility and respect play a part as well, and Uncle Jake has several traditional creeds, codes, and honor vows printed out in his notebook to back him up.  Marc reaches the end of summer in much better shape than he went in, and uses his position of strength to make peace with Kenny the bully.  If they can accept the occasionally preachy tone, 8-10 year-old junior warriors may be inspired to follow his example.  The illustrations are mediocre, but some of the captions provide laughs.

Cautions: None

Overall rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic value: 3.5