Wow, this book was special. It tells the story of a twelve-year-old named Jeremiah, who spends his summers with his dad. This summer his Dad has a boyfriend, Michael who is trying to build a relationship with Jeremiah. Jeremiah is not quite ready for any of these changes. Along the way, he meets a girl named Sage and a curmudgeon named Mr. Keeler. They along with his father and Michael help him realize how special his family is.

A heartfelt story, that I fully enjoyed. I loved Michael so much. This had a great message for young readers that I believe stands out. It also shows the LGBTQ community in an accessible way. I loved how open Jeremiah's father Al was with his bisexuality. The way the author weaved this into his story was so well done along with the many other topics, such as death, friendships, and acceptance. Overall, this was an impactful book that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to pick up my own copy.

I loved this book! Second Dad Summer is a fun, warm, and connected story which features an exciting cast of characters. Jeremiah, the main character, is relatable and honest and the cast of characters which surround him (particularly his sidekick Sage) do a fantastic job of rounding out the entire story. It is SO important for children to see themselves in literature and to see families which look like them - and this book does that so beautifully.

The thing I appreciated most about this book, however, was the way the author was able to weave in so many different topics (LGBT, death, etc.) in a way which never felt forced - they felt natural. As they should! LGBT families, death, friends, becoming comfortable with yourself - these are all natural things which occur in our world!

This was a joy to read and HIGHLY recommend!

A very gentle story of a 12 year old boy learning to be tolerant of other people even those he doesn’t like. A sentimental romance story of two dads seeking approval of the boy. A pleasant read that doesn’t take too long to read

Hated this one. I literally tried three times to give it an honest shot but it was boring. I even got my teen to give it a shot (thinking it was just me) and it didn't go well there either

This is a fast-paced and lean middle grade novel that packs an emotional punch without feeling cheap or manipulative. It dares to make the young protagonist flawed and a bit close-minded. And yet the author doesn’t make him unsympathetic. We know he’ll come around and become a more accepting human being by the end. The book has a breeziness to it—the characters breathe and nothing feels contrived.

<i>"And you're sure you hate Michael?" Sage asked.

"Yeah," I said. "At least, I was sure. And I don't like changing my mind."</i>

This was an extremely charming read, light-hearted and sweet, funny and mild, while also tackling a few serious issues in a way that's perfect for younger readers. Jeremiah is chill with his parents' divorce, and his dad being bi; he's not so chill with his dad's new boyfriend Michael, with his unicorn bike and fussy parenting tips and organic food. Over the summer Jeremiah makes a few new friends, changes a few attitudes, and learns a bit more about the nature of growing things. The book was very grounded, kind of matter-of-fact in the way it approached certain issues, and I found I appreciated that. We see a bit of all sides of the LGBTQ community, which is just great to see in a book for kids. I loved Jeremiah as a protagonist; a little long-suffering and set in his ways, but also open-minded and really good-hearted. I was rooting for him through all the highs and lows. I loved all the art as well.

I do think that the blurb can stand to be revised a bit, so that it gives away just a bit less info?

This was a wonderful read; it makes me so happy that kids have access to books like these. We need more of them in the world.

Jeremiah spends his summers with his dad. This summer he will be spending it with his dad but he will also have to spend it with Michael, his dad's new boyfriend. Michael is always nagging Jeremiah as well as eating strange organic food, and riding a glittery bike with a stuffed unicorn head on the front.

This book was everything that I wanted it to be and so much more. All of the LGBTQ+ characters (which was almost everyone except Jeremiah) were unapologetically themselves without being stereotypes. The book also touched on some heavier subjects like Stonewall, death, and AIDs.

It was a brilliant book and would recommend to readers both young and old.

The book ended?! What?
Seriously! Why?
I wanted more!
I have never read a middle grade fiction this down to earth which made me cry tears of sadness and happiness at the same time.

The story is so heartwarming. And the characters are so well developed. The character representation is well done and this is one of those unbelievably short books where there are multiple characters which are developed really good.
Even though I would say the main theme tackled of the plot is LGBTQ/sexuality representation, it's more so about acceptance and found family. I never thought this book would be this hard hitting.
It has been incredibly written. I learnt a lot of things regarding gender and sexuality. The writing doesn't go overboard when it comes to the explanations and discussion. I cannot explain how well the author has written about such topics.
I totally love the character dynamics. There's the girl Sage who came be friends with Jeremiah (our main protagonist). I just love her personality and the way she handles tough situations in a very sensible way for her age. And yes, she has two moms who I adore a lot! The story starts with Jeremiah having difficulties in facing the divorce of his parents and living with his dad and his boyfriend, Michael. And there's one special character, the old mean neighbour, Mr. Kleeney.

This book handles some other sensitive issues like death and grieve. It simply broke my heart but the way this book has been written is so damn amazing that it makes me hopeful instead of getting lost in a world of sadness and tears.
Everything was good but from sixty percent of the book onwards I was tearing up for every page till the last page. Damn. Wearing long sleeves won't be enough. Keep a box of tissues nearby when you read this one.

This book is so well done.
And yes, this is going to be in the list of my most favourite middle grade books of all times.

Seriously, #NetGalley I am so indebted to you for this amazing book #SecondDadSummer

*I started reading this book at the beginning of March 2020, deliberately left it at around sixty percent and picked it up again in April 2020 because the book was so good and it fitted perfectly for the PRIDE month!
And that is the only time I saved something really good to celebrate something important.

And you know what?
I remembered each and every character, each and every scene and dialogue exchanges between the characters when I picked it up again after a gap of almost one month.
Yes, this book is incredible I told you!

cute! cute! cute! this is such a good little book!! i think this was so important and very cute. more gay parents in fiction!!!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel because of its art style and entrenching plot. I would highly recommend this to fans of graphic novels.

I absolutely loved this book. I think it's a must read for kids and teens. This story is just so heartwarming.
Jeremiah spends summer with his dad and his boyfriend. Micheal is loud and annoying, and has this awful bicycle. Jeremiah doesn't like him at all.
But it changes, slowly and surely. I was very happy to see it. Micheal was good for Jeremiah's dad and even Jeremiah could see it.
I really liked the diversity in this book.
And friendship between Jeremiah and Sage was so pure.
Also the illustrations were just amazing.
I really think there should be more books like this for kids and teens.

This book is so well done... loved every minute, reading it! I think what I loved the most about it was that author Benjamin Klas allowed his character, Jeremiah, to be so believable. Klas could have easily taken a stereotypical route with the story but his beautiful telling, through Jeremiah's eyes feels so natural.

I also really appreciated the characterizations of 'Dad and Second Dad' again, believable and wise. There are very nice subplot moments that really make this complete. I definitely recommend this for young readers. Nice illustrations too.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for and honest review.

A compelling book about acceptance, community, and new beginnings.

As his parents are divorced, Jeremiah spends the school summer holidays with his dad. Only this time, it won't just be the two of them - Michael, his dad's annoying boyfriend will be there too. It's embarrassing when he rides around on a unicorn bike and attracts way too much attention. Jeremiah just wants it to be him and his dad. During his time outside (in an attempt to avoid Michael), Jeremiah meets Sage and they have a lot more in common than they first realize. He also meets a grumpy old neighbour, who clearly dislikes Michael (much to Jeremiah's satisfaction). But then something unexpected happens, bringing Michael and Jeremiah closer than either could have expected. Will Jeremiah finally accept him as a part of the family?

I really enjoyed this middle-grade book and thought it tackled the topic of LGBTQ+ sensitively yet thoroughly in a way that was engaging rather than forced. I'm so glad that the taboo is finally lifting, as this book highlighted that having LGBTQ+ family, friends, neighbours, etc is completely normal and not something to be ashamed or embarrassed by. My favourite quote from the book is where Sage and one of her mums, and Jeremiah and his dad are walking to the parade together. Jeremiah says "We probably look like a normal family" to which Sage replies "Not normal, just straight." I thought it was such a simple, yet powerful response that shows how being part of an LGTBQ+ family is no different than being part of a straight family. The characters were relatable and the whole story had a great pace with lots of action. I would 100% recommend this to all middle-graders and think the morals of love and acceptance are incredibly relevant.

A great middle grade story about family. What happens when your parents divorce and your dad dates other people? What happens when you don't like that person? This is a great story about dealing with new people, experiences, and how to never judge a book by it's cover.

I thought this was a very careful look at coming to terms with a parent not always being who you thought they were. It also focuses on kindness and not falling for perceptions.

I loved this, a very cute middle grade book about a kid whose dad is bisexual, and who has just moved in with another man. Looking forward to another book by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc for review.

Thirteen year old Jeremiah is spending the summer with his dad and his dad’s boyfriend, Michael. While Jeremiah has known for a long time that his dad is bisexual, he still isn’t super comfortable with Michael and struggles to form a connection with him.

I enjoyed this story, and I think the author did a great job of addressing LGTBQ+ issues from a young teenager’s perspective respectfully and honestly.

Second Dad Summer, is a story about a 12 year old boy named Jeremiah, who just wants a normal summer with his dad. But his dad has moved in with his new boyfriend Michael who serves weird organic food and is constantly nagging him. Worst of all, Michael rides a bicycle decorated to look like a unicorn. This is not the summer Jeremiah wanted. But Jeremiah soon learns that being a family comes in many surprising forms.

This was a fun and quick read. Jeremiah and Michael where my 2 favorite characters throughout the story. Second Dad Summer, teaches you about, acceptance, friendships, pride and loss. I loved how the writer (Benjamin Klas) kept true to Jeremiah the main character, and took us on a journey of acceptance with him to the very end. The relationship that he formed with Mr. Keeler was probably my favorite, and it bummed me out that he had to die, but it was pretty obvious.

Over all this was a fun read, and will look out for more stories by the writer, You have a new follower.

Line out of the whole story that made me laugh out loud was "It's a baby, not a Pokemon card"

This is my honest opinion 4/5

Well written and charming, without being artificial. I"d absolutely include this book in libraries for mid to upper elementary students as it offers many options for conversation not just about sexuality, gender, and related social issues, but also how we grow as people, what's expected of relationships, families, and forgiveness.

4* A decent tale, sad and sweet, but it ends in a good place. I just wish that Jeremiah...

... hadn't been prejudiced at 12yo against Michael. I kind of wanted him to have a big epiphany over that, which didn't happen.

This is a nicely written tale that focuses very much on the kids in this tale and on gender, but not so much on the grown-ups in the tale, which I liked. I mean, the could-be stepdad, Michael, and Jeremiah's dad, Al/Allen, were there, as was the elderly crotchety Mr Keeler, but at the same time, we didn't get to see much of their issues (if they had any) and so the focus was on Jeremiah coming to terms with his changed thoughts, growing up a little and seeing the light and the decency inside Michael.

It was really well done, but I do think that because of the prejudice that Jeremiah had had about Michael, based on the latter's clear out'ness and gayness, that maybe Jeremiah could have said sorry. Yes, he was part of something very sweet at the end, but until then, he'd rebuffed Michael at pretty much every opportunity, so a bit of humble pie wouldn't have gone amiss.

I liked how the elderly Mr Keeler was taken care of and what the kids did for him. I liked seeing the diversity amongst the various people in the tale and the harmony between them all, and I liked the cameos from Jeremiah's mother and how she seemed really OK with her ex having moved on, with his sexuality and gender.

This was a great educational read that went on for longer than I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Red Chair Press/One Elm Books for my reading pleasure.