School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-7-Marc is totally looking forward to summer. No more pull-ups, no more bully Kenny, no more multiplication tables, and best of all: his uncle Jake, a recently discharged Navy SEAL, will be around all summer. When Uncle Jake hears Marc's tales of woe (he isn't strong, he can't swim, and he's lousy at math), he proposes a summer of training the Navy SEAL way. That means up at "zero-dark-thirty" and a regimen of physical training, healthy food, and self-discipline. Uncle Jake has a positive, can-do attitude with a caring, no-nonsense answer to every one of Marc's excuses. Uncle Jake helps Marc see the value of planning, practice, and hard work while referencing sources as diverse as Viking codes, chivalry, and the Gettysburg Address when teaching Marc to become a stronger, smarter leader. Narrator Thor Willink, the author's son, sounds just about Marc's age, and his dad voices the adults. This choice lends a personal note, although the trade-off is occasionally a less professional and polished tone. The audio version has plenty of humor, even without Jon Bozak's drawings (a frequent part of the print version). VERDICT This motivational book is filled with practical self-discipline concepts such as work hard, be humble, and face your fears. The straight-arrow patriotic tone will command attention from military-minded listeners.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Marc had a terrible year in fifth grade: he can't swim or do pull-ups, doesn't know his multiplication tables, and is being terrorized by school bully Kenny. But Marc's uncle Jake, a Navy SEAL, will be spending the summer with Marc and his mother, and once he arrives, he begins training Marc to be a "Warrior Kid." The training is both physical and mental, and chapters are dedicated to principles such as living by a code, early morning workouts, and discipline ("Discipline equals freedom" screams one page in giant capital letters). Marc embraces his uncle's guidance, gets stronger, and starts sixth grade confident and able, even standing up to and reaching out to Kenny in a too-neat conclusion. Willink, a leadership instructor and retired SEAL, places worthwhile emphasis on physical activity, mental sharpness, and hard work. But Marc's dismissal of his mother's ability to help him because, "a lot of the time it seems she just doesn't understand me" (in part because "she works a ton") is a disappointing stereotype, and Bozak's b&w line drawings don't add much to the boy's journey. More treatise than fully developed story. Ages 8-12. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
A tough fifth-grade year made Marc feel "dumb" (especially in math) and weak ("I can do ZERO pull-ups!"); worst of all, he's been targeted by the school bully. All this changes when Uncle Jake, a Navy SEAL, teaches Marc about discipline, goals, and hard work via his "Warrior Code." Retired SEAL officer Willink's preachy story, illustrated with bland line drawings, nevertheless offers useful insight on bullies and self-betterment. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
