The Second Favorite Daughter’s Club: Sister Sabotage

By: Jamie Steinberg

Santana Barnes and Casey Hammond have had enough of their siblings. Their sisters get all of their parents’ attention and it’s just not fair. When Santana and Casey happen to meet one another in the middle school library they are quick to become fast best friends – bonding over their lack of parental care. Thus begins the tale that is The Second Favorite Daughter’s Club: Sister Sabotage – a story of sabotage and a mutual desire to become the number one daughter in the family. Author Colleen Oakes does a wonderful job at intriguing the reader into Casey and Santana’s schemes; however, sadly, the flat ending makes this read a bit of a letdown.

Santana’s sister Victoria is a ballet protégé and her parents spend all their free time either working to pay for Victoria’s expenses or attending her recitals. Casey Hammond’s sister Sage snags all of her dad’s attention as a cute little seven-year-old who has more in common with him than Casey. When Casey and Santana collide in the library over their love of reading and hate for after-school activities, they realize they have even more in common – their need to be the number one daughter. It is from this desire that the idea for the The Second Favorite Daughter’s Club is born. Meeting up in Casey’s treehouse, Santana and Casey craft the beginnings of a plan.

Unfortunately, this is where the story begins to fade. The two youngsters only make it through two phases before their plans go awry. I would have liked to have seen more efforts to take their siblings down before guilt worked its way into their scheme. I won’t ruin the ending, but there is also an overused storyline of running away to avoid facing punishment for taking down their attention-hoarding siblings. I did enjoy the friendship and deep bond quickly established between Santana and Casey, but desperately wanted more exploration of the fight to be number one daughters. However, I did enjoy that the book comes with a message to be more open with your parents. It will remind young readers not to be afraid to speak their minds when something is troubling them.

The Second Favorite Daughter’s Club: Sister Sabotage is a fun tale of besties on a mission. While it does fall short on a fulfilling storyline, it’s still a sweet read for middle schoolers who feel like their older siblings may shine a bit brighter in the eyes of their parents. Do take a few days to explore this book if you are feeling a bit unseen.