2nd Place is a story of hope and encouragement that speaks to the human spirit. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy named Ricky Workman. The reader gets to watch him grow up, notice his writing improve in his journal, and see him develop into a hard working, loving, and people building man. We also get to see him succeed and fail as a football player and track athlete. There are no obvious antagonists in this story, but Rick still has his share of conflict and struggle. Life experiences challenge him greatly, but he remains true to the principles his parents and grandparents teach him. This book was written in response to a need the author has detected in the youth of today. Our global culture seems so pre-occupied with finishing first that too many individuals simply give up on worthwhile pursuits if there is any doubt in their minds they will be the best. This story is an uplifting, yet real world example of how someone can still feel valued even though they don’t win it all. Every school library needs high interest, low to medium vocabulary books that arouse the interest of young people. 2nd Place delivers beautifully in that regard.