Way of the Warrior Kid

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying.

Marc is suddenly awakened by a clanging noise—he wonders if he’s being attacked by aliens, but instead it is Jake, ordering him out of bed while banging a broomstick on a metal can. Jake orders Marc to do pushups and then takes him outside (while it is still dark) to teach him a variety of exercises. Marc protests that he is a “WEAKLING,” but Jake insists that he will get stronger with good habits. Moreover, as long as Marc can wake himself up early, there won’t be any further need for the broom and garbage can. Afterward, Marc realizes to his surprise that he appreciated the morning’s activities: “[D]oing all those exercises in the morning actually made me feel better all day. […] So even though the early wake up and exercising was kind of rough, I really liked the way it made me feel for the rest of the day. It was worth it!” (36-37).

Marc quickly adapts to waking up early, but Jake reminds him that getting up to exercise does not make someone a warrior, nor does fighting an enemy or being in the military.