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Draft:Way of the Warrior Kid (Book Series)

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  • Comment: Fails WP:NBOOK - the author's website, Amazon, interviews with the author, podcasts are all primary sources and not independent. Also Wikipedia is not an acceptable source either. Dan arndt (talk) 03:38, 27 June 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: Is there more coverage of the later books in the series in terms of reviews, or maybe something that gives a series overview (I'm thinking maybe this has come out since there's that movie in the works)? Right now the sourcing is thin for the series as a whole, but I'd expect that there's more out there. asilvering (talk) 02:52, 27 June 2025 (UTC)

Way of the Warrior Kid is an illustrated novel series for children written by retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and illustrated by Jon Bozak. The books follow a young boy named Marc who transforms from a bumbling, bullied, and insecure kid into a confident, disciplined and empowered young man under the mentorship of his Navy SEAL uncle, Jake. While the series promotes values such as responsibility, self-discipline, mental toughness, and physical fitness, it does so with a tone that remains engaging and fun for young readers, thanks in part to humorous scenarios and a light visual touch throughout.[1]

Background

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The first book in the series, Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way, was published in 2017 by Feiwel & Friends, and imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Since then, four more books have been released. The five core novels:

  • Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way (2017)
  • Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc's Mission (2018)
  • Way of the Warrior Kid 3: Where There’s a Will… (2019)
  • Way of the Warrior Kid 4: Field Manual (2020)
  • Way of the Warrior Kid 5: Letters from Uncle Jake (2022)

In addition, there are two companion products: a coloring book and a poster book.[2]

Themes

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The books emphasize self-discipline, hard work, courage, and adopting a growth mindset. Each installment introduces Marc to new personal and social challenges, which he overcomes using the strategies taught by his uncle. Topics include applied learning, exercise, healthy eating, time management, entrepreneurship, and dealing with bullies.

A central motif throughout the series is Marc’s introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under Uncle Jake’s mentorship, Marc learns not only the physical techniques of martial arts but also the discipline, patience, and humility it instills. Jiu-Jitsu becomes both a practical tool for self-defense and a metaphor for personal growth and resilience for not just Marc but other characters in the series.

Illustrations

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Each book in the series is illustrated by Jon Bozak, whose black-and-white drawings provide a playful counterbalance to the books' focus on discipline, self-control, and structured growth. The artwork often emphasizes Marc’s reactions to challenging situations with humor and exaggeration, adding warmth and accessibility to the story. These illustrations help break up the text visually and offer moments of levity in contrast to the more stoic tone of Uncle Jake’s lessons.

Reception

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The series has been well received by educators, parents, and reviewers. School Library Journal praised the first book, stating it offers "practical self‑discipline concepts for middle-grade readers."[3]

Publishers Weekly noted that the series' first book places “worthwhile emphasis on physical activity, mental sharpness, and hard work,”.[4]

Redeemed Reader described the book as a "fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL," highlighting its unique approach to youth empowerment.[5]

Media coverage

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Jocko Willink has promoted the series through multiple media appearances, including interviews with Pete Hegseth on Fox News discussing the first and second books.[6][7][8]

He also discussed the third book, Where There’s a Will…, in a Memorial Day opinion piece published by Fox News.[9]

Podcasts

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The book has been referenced in various podcasts across multiple topics including those hosted by Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson and Chris Williamson (TV personality).[10] It also inspired the creation of the official Warrior Kid Podcast, hosted by Willink and aimed at answering questions from young readers.[11]

Film adaptation

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A live-action film adaptation is in post production. Directed by McG and produced by Skydance Media, the film is set to star Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini, Jude Law, Ava Torres, and Levi Mcconaughey—the son of Matthew McConaughey.[12][circular reference]

Other works

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Jocko Willink also authored Mikey and the Dragons, a standalone children’s book that similarly encourages confidence and bravery.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Way of the Warrior Kid". Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  2. ^ "Way of the Warrior Kid Poster Book". Amazon. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  3. ^ Knapp, Maggie (2017-09-01). "The Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  4. ^ "Way of the Warrior Kid". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  5. ^ Cheaney, Janie (2017-06-16). "Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink". Redeemed Reader. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  6. ^ "Jocko Willink talks 'Way of the Warrior Kid'". Fox News. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  7. ^ "Jocko Willink discusses sequel 'Marc's Mission'". Fox News. 27 May 2018. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  8. ^ "Interview Jocko Willink – Warrior Kid series". Fox News. 24 April 2018. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  9. ^ "Jocko Willink: Memorial Day – The visit". Fox News. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  10. ^ "Way of the Warrior Kid – Mentioned in Podcasts". MentionedInPodcasts.com. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  11. ^ "Warrior Kid Podcast". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  12. ^ "Way of the Warrior Kid (film)". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  13. ^ "Mikey and the Dragons". Amazon. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
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