Second in Command

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.

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.

Short story!
Want more of it.
It's in a poetry form. The story is good. About children whose parents are I army and how they deal with it.
Character were okay!

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.

Dang. This made me cry. It was such a good, quick read!

I liked it how Leo and Zen were good friends and how Jack's character started to change. This really hit hard.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Leo was such a strong main character. I loved how we got see how he handled the responsibilities of being the oldest child and how he dealt with his mom being deployed. And the ending was just the perfect way to finish the story.

This was a short but very emotional story about a family dealing with the recent deployment of their mother. It honestly showed the way kids react - acting out, taking charge, helping out, etc. I thought it was a great representation.

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 personally just had a little bit of an emotional disconnect.

What a beautiful novel! I've been waiting to get my hands on this book since I heard of its publication and I was absolutely not disappointed.

Second in Command tells the story of Leo, a boy who is in charge of his family while his mom is deployed. Leo struggles with day-to-day life without his mom and taking care of his younger siblings, Reina and Jack - who can't seem to stay out of trouble.

Novels in verse are having a moment, and this one is a gorgeous addition. Every page had lines that I wanted to read over and over again to commit them to memory. Leo's struggle between doing what is right and what his brother wants is vivid and believable. His internal struggle is evident on every page, and glimpses of his crush on a girl at school and memories of growing up give the novel heart.

I read this in one sitting and I can't wait to see more from the author. This collection has the potential to make an impact, and I hope that others love it as much as I did.

*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.

Not what I expected ! When I received this I had no idea it was in verse, nor how short it was. So this review <i>(and the 5 stars) </i> is written from my inner (middle grade/junior high) child's point of view <i> (probably 3 stars from an adult version of myself) </i>. It was an easy read, easy to understand and it most definitely knows how to get a strong message across ! <b> Perfect for those young ones looking to get into reading</b>.

Second in Command by Sandi Van is a book in verse, written from the perspective of 16-year-old Leo as he struggles with the absence of his mother. Leo only wishes to become an Eagle scout and cop, but his mother’s deployment leaves him in charge of his 13-year-old brother, who is struggling in his own ways, and much younger sister, who is oblivious to most of the larger issues in their lives, while their father works.

I want to preface my review with this: I have nothing negative to say about this book. However, I felt the book was just so-so. The writing and poetry was gorgeous and Leo is a character to admire. He’s strong, yet emotional, and has such a wise outlook on life for a 16-year-old. I truly enjoyed the writing and flow of this narrative piece with Leo at the helm.

With that said, even with such beautiful writing, the book was very simple. I was left wanting more - more plot development from the past and future, more interactions with people, and more story. What was here was great and fabulous, but it seemed that many parts could have been developed even more to provide depth for characters and their choices.

Overall, I’m giving Second in Command 3 out of 5 Awesome Austin points. It wasn’t the most amazing piece of verse I’ve ever read but it was enjoyable and touched on interesting topics pertinent to many “military families” (I use quotes here because anyone could relate if they have lost someone for any reason). I think it will be perfect for reluctant readers or those exploring novels in verse.

Great book! My students would enjoy the story. Some very powerful moments throughout. Leo’s character and the pressures that have be put on his shoulders are so raw and real! The story is important and will maintain relevance through the years.

3 1/2 stars. Good book for striving readers; engaging story told in an easy to read format. Especially good for middle school students.

I love books written in verse and this is one of the best yet!

This follows the story of a 16 year old who is forced to take care of his family when his mom is deployed and his dad works long hours. After his brother gets arrested, he's got to decide to stick to his guns or support his little brother.

It was a tale full of sadness, but also hope. The verses flowed amazingly, so it felt like a cohesive story. This is one I would definitely recommend!