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Second in Command
Sixteen-year-old Leo dreams of becoming an Eagle Scout and, someday, a police officer. He makes sure to always do the right thing and be responsible. With his mom deployed and his dad constantly working, Leo is often left in charge of his two younger siblings. Then Leo's brother, Jack, gets caught up in a dangerous plot that rocks the community. Can Leo keep his promise to stand by his brother no matter what, or will he stand on the side of justice?
192 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2019
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82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 22, 2019
I don't give 5 stars easily so believe when I say Second in Command gave me so many emotions that now has a special place in my heart 💕
This book talks about what happens when one of the parents on a household leaves with the army, how the rest of the family deals with it and tries to carry on a normal life even though they know there is a vital member of the family missing.
The gem of Second in Command is my precious main character, Leo. This boy had the most pure intentions I've read, his only desires were to protect his siblings and help his community to be more tolerant and safe for everybody. On top of that he had to go through so many awful things and make difficult decisions which made him more real and complex.
Then we have Leo's brother, Jack. This kid felt even more real than Leo but he didn't have the same mindset as his brother and that's were they difference. I actually loved him too, I think it was mainly because I understood where his decisions came from and it also helped that we got to know him through Leo's eyes and they just have so much love between them that it was hard not to feel the same way.
The only thing I didn't like were the parents and their decisions, I don't want to get too into it because it's a very personal thing but if I had been these kids' parents, I would have made sure to be present for them and actually take care of their needs no matter how I was feeling or what I wanted because children always come first once you have them. But again, it's personal and I also think if these parents had done things my way, this book wouldn't exist and that would be tragic.
All in all, I would 100% recommend this book to everyone. It's short so it can be read very quickly but the story would still be impactful. I truly loved this poetry book and will hold these two brothers close to my heart forever.
This book talks about what happens when one of the parents on a household leaves with the army, how the rest of the family deals with it and tries to carry on a normal life even though they know there is a vital member of the family missing.
The gem of Second in Command is my precious main character, Leo. This boy had the most pure intentions I've read, his only desires were to protect his siblings and help his community to be more tolerant and safe for everybody. On top of that he had to go through so many awful things and make difficult decisions which made him more real and complex.
Then we have Leo's brother, Jack. This kid felt even more real than Leo but he didn't have the same mindset as his brother and that's were they difference. I actually loved him too, I think it was mainly because I understood where his decisions came from and it also helped that we got to know him through Leo's eyes and they just have so much love between them that it was hard not to feel the same way.
The only thing I didn't like were the parents and their decisions, I don't want to get too into it because it's a very personal thing but if I had been these kids' parents, I would have made sure to be present for them and actually take care of their needs no matter how I was feeling or what I wanted because children always come first once you have them. But again, it's personal and I also think if these parents had done things my way, this book wouldn't exist and that would be tragic.
All in all, I would 100% recommend this book to everyone. It's short so it can be read very quickly but the story would still be impactful. I truly loved this poetry book and will hold these two brothers close to my heart forever.
November 11, 2018
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
"School is where you go to feel safe but what happens when it becomes a place of fear?"
this book is so timely with everything that's been going on, especially with this quote. It really spoke to me and touched my heart.
This book was super easy to read and super easy to understand, it really got it's message out there and I adored it!
I can't wait till more people are able to read this fantastic story.
"School is where you go to feel safe but what happens when it becomes a place of fear?"
this book is so timely with everything that's been going on, especially with this quote. It really spoke to me and touched my heart.
This book was super easy to read and super easy to understand, it really got it's message out there and I adored it!
I can't wait till more people are able to read this fantastic story.
May 22, 2019
This is a beautifully written hi-lo verse novel about the emotional impact on a military family when a parent is deployed. In this book, Leo has to step up when his mom is deployed, and hold everything together. Engaging read!
February 2, 2019
ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I'm supposed to write a coherent review but all I had for 98% of the book was: F#ck. That's all I could get because this book just kept punching me in the gut, not letting me breathe. Like damn, can you let a person breathe Sandi Van!
And then that ending. Like punch me in the gut and then rip my heart out. But then pat it softly coz ugh, that ending! UGH!
I'm supposed to write a coherent review but all I had for 98% of the book was: F#ck. That's all I could get because this book just kept punching me in the gut, not letting me breathe. Like damn, can you let a person breathe Sandi Van!
And then that ending. Like punch me in the gut and then rip my heart out. But then pat it softly coz ugh, that ending! UGH!
March 6, 2019
This book is full of beautiful writing and definitely packs an emotional punch. It's in verse, and you'll find that it's short--that's on purpose. It's meant for struggling readers who need higher level content. But it would also be enjoyable for other kids, and adults! It broke my heart and put it back together again on every page--in a good way. Highly recommend.
May 1, 2019
This is a really great and emotionally vibrant book in verse that gives a look inside the lives of military families and what happens when a parent - in this case the mom - is deployed. I really love the way it showed the pressure it put on the entire family, but especially the main character, Leo, who was the oldest child and the one who is supposed to hold everything together.
December 9, 2021
One of my middle school students picked up this book from our library and loved it. She wanted me to read it. Since my husband served in the US Air Force for 20 years, I thought it was an important read. This verse novel is great for students who have a parent deployed or has a friend who has a parent overseas. Quick, thought-provoking read with themes of military, friendship, family, discrimination, and integrity.
October 25, 2018
3 1/2 stars Received a copy from Netgalley -
Good book for striving readers; engaging story told in an easy to read format.
Good book for striving readers; engaging story told in an easy to read format.
July 4, 2019
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This is what is considered “hi-lo” fiction—short books that are designed to encourage young, reluctant readers to read more. This one seems like it is aimed for an early middle school to early high school audience, so basically mid-middle grade and early young adult. This novel focuses on how a family is affected when one member is deployed for the army—in this case, it is the main character’s mother. After his mother has left, Leo has to take charge of many household duties, including taking care of his two younger siblings. On top of this, Leo discovers that his brother, Jack, has become tangled up in a dangerous situation while running with the wrong crowd. Leo needs to find a way to hold his family together in the absence of their mother.
I quite enjoyed this story and found it really easy to get into. Van did a very good job building her characters and creating the atmosphere and tone of the narrative in such a short amount of time. I know I sound silly saying this about books in the hi-lo format, but I wish there was more to this story. I want to hear more about these characters’ lives—about how these major changes affect them—and learn more about what it is like to have a parent in the army. Van manages to pack a ton of emotion and heart into this book, which I was impressed by. I really do think this is a book that would entice reluctant readers as well as introduce them to a topic they might not be fully aware of.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This is what is considered “hi-lo” fiction—short books that are designed to encourage young, reluctant readers to read more. This one seems like it is aimed for an early middle school to early high school audience, so basically mid-middle grade and early young adult. This novel focuses on how a family is affected when one member is deployed for the army—in this case, it is the main character’s mother. After his mother has left, Leo has to take charge of many household duties, including taking care of his two younger siblings. On top of this, Leo discovers that his brother, Jack, has become tangled up in a dangerous situation while running with the wrong crowd. Leo needs to find a way to hold his family together in the absence of their mother.
I quite enjoyed this story and found it really easy to get into. Van did a very good job building her characters and creating the atmosphere and tone of the narrative in such a short amount of time. I know I sound silly saying this about books in the hi-lo format, but I wish there was more to this story. I want to hear more about these characters’ lives—about how these major changes affect them—and learn more about what it is like to have a parent in the army. Van manages to pack a ton of emotion and heart into this book, which I was impressed by. I really do think this is a book that would entice reluctant readers as well as introduce them to a topic they might not be fully aware of.
April 10, 2019
Not what I expected ! When I received this I had no idea it was in verse, nor how short it was. So this review (and the 5 stars) is written from my inner (middle grade/junior high) child's point of view (probably 3 stars from an adult version of myself) . It was an easy read, easy to understand and it most definitely knows how to get a strong message across ! Perfect for those young ones looking to get into reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandi Van for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sandi Van for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
February 16, 2019
This book is solid, sincere, and strong from start to finish! Sandi Van's poetry feels as natural as the beats of Leo's running feet, and the heartstrings of this story keep pulling the reader from one page to the next. Leo walks the line of being a thoughtful, honorable protagonist, while Van's well-wrought angst keeps him from falling into do-gooder territory, and the plot is tight and deftly managed. Highly recommend, especially for readers who benefit from fewer words on the page.
April 23, 2019
This would be a great book for kids. Low reading level, high interest. I really enjoyed the characters and their struggle with their mom's deployment.
January 29, 2019
Check out this review and others at my blog Too Many Books!
A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for a free advance digital copy in exchange for a honest review.
I love verse novels and the raw emotions explored in this one make it a definite 5 star read. Leo is the eldest child and left mostly in charge of his younger siblings when his mom deploys and his father works. The emotions are very strong and really well explored, as Leo tries to balance his own needs and desires with his obligations to his family. He has to face a lot and while his actions are shown that he puts forth a strong front, he is struggling underneath. While I have not been in the same circumstances as Leo, the emotional whirlwind that he goes through is described very well, making this book packing a punch for such a short book.
In verse novels, often many components of books are left out in favor of the poetry, but this verse novel had a few really good subplots. Not enough to overpower everything else, but enough so that it was actually a verse novel and not just themed poetry. The pace suited with the medium and while Leo's thoughts and emotions were definitely explored, it did not overpower everything else and the plot was able to keep on moving forward. There were a few descriptions of the Leo of the past that were really cool and added more to his character without detracting from moving the story forward.
I wish that there was just more to the interactions between Jack and Leo, and to the end of the story. While the ends were wrapped up, the ending just felt like it was lacking something, not having the satisfaction level that I was expecting at the end of this read. It also seems unrealistic in some of the supporting structures of what allowed the plot to move forward.
Still, this was an excellent read and well worth the time. I really enjoyed it. It's a short read, so easy to just pick up and get through. I definitely recommend this book because these emotions explored are powerful and lead to a deep and fast read.
A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for a free advance digital copy in exchange for a honest review.
I love verse novels and the raw emotions explored in this one make it a definite 5 star read. Leo is the eldest child and left mostly in charge of his younger siblings when his mom deploys and his father works. The emotions are very strong and really well explored, as Leo tries to balance his own needs and desires with his obligations to his family. He has to face a lot and while his actions are shown that he puts forth a strong front, he is struggling underneath. While I have not been in the same circumstances as Leo, the emotional whirlwind that he goes through is described very well, making this book packing a punch for such a short book.
In verse novels, often many components of books are left out in favor of the poetry, but this verse novel had a few really good subplots. Not enough to overpower everything else, but enough so that it was actually a verse novel and not just themed poetry. The pace suited with the medium and while Leo's thoughts and emotions were definitely explored, it did not overpower everything else and the plot was able to keep on moving forward. There were a few descriptions of the Leo of the past that were really cool and added more to his character without detracting from moving the story forward.
I wish that there was just more to the interactions between Jack and Leo, and to the end of the story. While the ends were wrapped up, the ending just felt like it was lacking something, not having the satisfaction level that I was expecting at the end of this read. It also seems unrealistic in some of the supporting structures of what allowed the plot to move forward.
Still, this was an excellent read and well worth the time. I really enjoyed it. It's a short read, so easy to just pick up and get through. I definitely recommend this book because these emotions explored are powerful and lead to a deep and fast read.
May 15, 2019
Five stars – Well worth reading, whether YA or Adult
An inciteful short-form of the verse novel, Second in Command by Sandi Van pulls you along Leo’s emotional journey. He is the eldest of three siblings and steps up to help “parent” when his mom is deployed with the Navy. He worries as a parent for how his brother and sister deal with the absence of their mom, their sense of loss, his brother getting into serious trouble with a bad bunch, his little sister experiencing night terrors. Sleepless, worry-filled nights become Leo’s norm. He’s the big brother, feeling the weight of the world crush against his shoulders…the possibility of his mom not returning.
This book is a quick read, full of angst and passion, permitting readers to see through the eyes of a young teenager. Leo's values, compassion, and sense of loyalty come across, as do his pounding heart and sweaty palms over a female interest who is not only being bullied but is experiencing similar loss over a parent’s deployment.
Highly recommended. Relatable to current events. Compelling. An excellent opportunity for parents to read, discuss and explain to their children how deployments affect more than the person going to the front lines.
An inciteful short-form of the verse novel, Second in Command by Sandi Van pulls you along Leo’s emotional journey. He is the eldest of three siblings and steps up to help “parent” when his mom is deployed with the Navy. He worries as a parent for how his brother and sister deal with the absence of their mom, their sense of loss, his brother getting into serious trouble with a bad bunch, his little sister experiencing night terrors. Sleepless, worry-filled nights become Leo’s norm. He’s the big brother, feeling the weight of the world crush against his shoulders…the possibility of his mom not returning.
This book is a quick read, full of angst and passion, permitting readers to see through the eyes of a young teenager. Leo's values, compassion, and sense of loyalty come across, as do his pounding heart and sweaty palms over a female interest who is not only being bullied but is experiencing similar loss over a parent’s deployment.
Highly recommended. Relatable to current events. Compelling. An excellent opportunity for parents to read, discuss and explain to their children how deployments affect more than the person going to the front lines.
July 26, 2020
For the unfamiliar, a verse novel is a type of narrative poetry in which a novel-length narrative is told through poetry rather than prose.
Second in Command is a verse novel about Leo, a 16 year-old teenager thrust into a parental role with his two younger siblings while his mom is deployed in the military and his dad is consumed at work and too exhausted and detached to lead effectively at home. What I enjoyed most is how the author used the verse novel construction to tell the story concisely and with emotion---just like in a prose novel. That said, despite what would seem to be broad strokes over detail because of the short-form verse, nothing felt omitted and what wasn't detailed was for each reader to fill in appropriately.
The novel is listed as for Young Adults, but I feel the story and verse form will appeal to adults alike. In this sense, it reminded me of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, another verse novel technically for young adult audiences but with universal appeal.
Second in Command is a verse novel about Leo, a 16 year-old teenager thrust into a parental role with his two younger siblings while his mom is deployed in the military and his dad is consumed at work and too exhausted and detached to lead effectively at home. What I enjoyed most is how the author used the verse novel construction to tell the story concisely and with emotion---just like in a prose novel. That said, despite what would seem to be broad strokes over detail because of the short-form verse, nothing felt omitted and what wasn't detailed was for each reader to fill in appropriately.
The novel is listed as for Young Adults, but I feel the story and verse form will appeal to adults alike. In this sense, it reminded me of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, another verse novel technically for young adult audiences but with universal appeal.
February 27, 2019
Excellent book. The poetic structure really helps to convey the emptiness and pressure that Leo feels when his mother is deployed. It's amazing how much character development is conveyed in so few words, the warmth of the family, the unsaid tension between father and son, etc. The verse format makes this book accessible for teens who struggle with reading with a fascinating story they can relate to. Definitely would recommend to teens and adults.
April 25, 2019
What a beautiful book! I cried so many times reading this. Sandi has truly created a beautiful, heartfelt story that grips you from the very first page. The poetry is gorgeous. I can't wait to see what she does next.
February 26, 2019
Second In Command is a very easy and quick read which tells an emotional story that many military families can relate to. Very creative and highly recommended for young adults!!
April 11, 2019
Excellent story telling via verse!! 🙂
November 23, 2018
Really good book. Would recommend.
It being written in verse makes it a breeze to get through. And it still manages to convey the feelings of family, loss, loyalty, confusion and commitment that a teen in these situations may face. It's a quick snapshot but it gives a good picture.
This is listed as a book for reluctant readers and I get why. I think it's a great starter for someone who finds reading to be daunting or uninteresting.
It being written in verse makes it a breeze to get through. And it still manages to convey the feelings of family, loss, loyalty, confusion and commitment that a teen in these situations may face. It's a quick snapshot but it gives a good picture.
This is listed as a book for reluctant readers and I get why. I think it's a great starter for someone who finds reading to be daunting or uninteresting.
June 19, 2019
Lovely and moving.
August 26, 2019
Movingly written in verse, this story was a page turner. I was impressed by how Van was able to develop complete, complex characters with fewer words than your traditional novel. I also loved the interwoven nature of Leo's pursuits, and the way the Scout Law was a thread binding them all together. Highly recommend!
November 12, 2020
Reading this poignant tale in verse, I wondered why more YA authors don't write in this form.
To be effective, it has to be done well, which Van more than succeeded in Second in Command. It's much more accessible for readers who may find a 400-page novel daunting.
Second in Command lyrically unravels the grief and loss felt by the sons of military mom stationed in a dangerous conflict. Plenty happens but she's able to succinctly tell the story, make the reader care about the characters and how their story ends. A difficult tale beautifully told.
To be effective, it has to be done well, which Van more than succeeded in Second in Command. It's much more accessible for readers who may find a 400-page novel daunting.
Second in Command lyrically unravels the grief and loss felt by the sons of military mom stationed in a dangerous conflict. Plenty happens but she's able to succinctly tell the story, make the reader care about the characters and how their story ends. A difficult tale beautifully told.
November 18, 2019
The book I read was Second In Command. Overall I thought that the book was pretty boaring. The boom really didn't have a good story. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone. It was a pretty fast read because it is written in powertry. It seemed like the same things just keeped on happaning. When I read it the book seemed like it went really slow. It was hard to pick it up again and read. At the begining of it it was some what interesting. I am probley not read this kind of book again. If you like family problems books you will like this book.
October 28, 2018
A great novel in verse for middle school and junior high! I can’t wait to share it with my 7th graders.
February 7, 2024
This was a great novel in verse! Sandi Van did a fantastic job at portraying Jack and Leo with such emotion. Although a shorter novel in verse, the story was there and it moved forward at a really fast pace.
Leo and Jack are inseparable brothers living without a mother as she is deployed overseas. With a father who works all the time, Leo is left to take care of Jack, his younger brother, and make sure he succeeds in school - and stays out of trouble. When Leo has a feeling that Jack's involvement in a school incident is a lot bigger than he says, he finds himself caught in the middle of a situation no brother ever wants to see another go through. When legal ramifications come, Leo is left to fight for his brother and to move past his past actions.
A harrowing story about the importance of family, the need for a role model, and the effects racial incidents have on everyone, "Second in Command" is a great coming-of-age graphic novel that is perfect for high school readers.
Leo and Jack are inseparable brothers living without a mother as she is deployed overseas. With a father who works all the time, Leo is left to take care of Jack, his younger brother, and make sure he succeeds in school - and stays out of trouble. When Leo has a feeling that Jack's involvement in a school incident is a lot bigger than he says, he finds himself caught in the middle of a situation no brother ever wants to see another go through. When legal ramifications come, Leo is left to fight for his brother and to move past his past actions.
A harrowing story about the importance of family, the need for a role model, and the effects racial incidents have on everyone, "Second in Command" is a great coming-of-age graphic novel that is perfect for high school readers.
December 30, 2018
This was incredibly well written and I read it early this year before it was officially released. The characters are relatable and I will definitely use with my struggling readers - especially 11th graders and ELLS. Compulsively readable! This book is an honest picture that touches on many issues facing teens today.
July 18, 2019
There once was a family of five that did what they needed to thirve. While mom was away they worked thourgh the day and prayed she would come home alive.
This book shows what some people simply don't understand. Responsible. Stuck between what you should do and what your heart wants. Leo Instead of having the world in his hands. He has it on his back. He is asked to do what most 16 year olds aren't.
This book gives us a view on what its like for families of vets while there family member is deployed. Fighting for our freedom While leo watchs others miss use it. While he tries to fights for his dreams and keeps his family safe.
This book shows what some people simply don't understand. Responsible. Stuck between what you should do and what your heart wants. Leo Instead of having the world in his hands. He has it on his back. He is asked to do what most 16 year olds aren't.
This book gives us a view on what its like for families of vets while there family member is deployed. Fighting for our freedom While leo watchs others miss use it. While he tries to fights for his dreams and keeps his family safe.
January 2, 2019
I RECEIVED A GALLEY OF THIS THROUGH NETGALLEY
This is a very quick read that I would highly recommend to a lot of people. The writting is very easy to get into which makes this important story more accesible to everyone. I'm glad I read this book because the experience of the main character isn't one I've ever read about but I know it's one that a lot of teens go through. The only problem I actually had with this book is the fact that I felt a bit emotionally detatched from the story. If you want a quick, yet important read, I would highly recommend this book.
This is a very quick read that I would highly recommend to a lot of people. The writting is very easy to get into which makes this important story more accesible to everyone. I'm glad I read this book because the experience of the main character isn't one I've ever read about but I know it's one that a lot of teens go through. The only problem I actually had with this book is the fact that I felt a bit emotionally detatched from the story. If you want a quick, yet important read, I would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews