A Slice of Ambition: My Thoughts on President of the Whole Fifth Grade
When I first stumbled upon President of the Whole Fifth Grade by Sharry Jennings, I couldn’t ignore its playful cover and promising premise. The image of aspiring class president Brianna Justice brought back cherished memories of my own middle school days, where dreams felt as big as the world itself. But what really piqued my curiosity was the underlying message: that ambition, friendship, and integrity can intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
The plot follows the spirited Brianna Justice, who gets inspired after hearing her idol, the celebrity chef Miss Delicious, credit her success to her stint as class president. Brianna is determined to replicate this journey, carving her own path toward a future cupcake empire. However, her plans are thrown into turmoil when the new student, Jasmine Moon, enters the race for class president. Instantly, we are thrust into a world of competition, camaraderie, and ethical dilemmas that resonate with the complexities of childhood.
What stood out to me the most was Brianna’s evolution. She begins as a passionate yet somewhat naive contender who faces a moral crossroads when tempted to resort to underhanded tactics by revealing a secret about Jasmine. This scenario beautifully encapsulates a crucial theme that runs throughout the book: integrity matters. Brianna’s ultimate choice becomes a lesson not only for her but for readers, echoing the idea that true leadership and friendship rely on honesty and respect.
In terms of writing style, Jennings does an exceptional job of balancing humor with heartfelt moments. The pacing feels just right for the target age group of 9-10 years old; it’s brisk enough to keep kids engaged while allowing for meaningful character development. One particularly humorous scene, wherein Brianna’s overzealous campaign strategy goes awry, had me laughing out loud—it’s one of those moments that captures the absurdity of childhood charm.
The testimonials reflecting children’s reactions are a testament to the book’s effectiveness. One reviewer mentioned that their daughter found it "funny, interesting, and engaging," perfectly capturing the fun yet insightful essence that Jennings has crafted. These insights remind me of my own experience as a young reader—finding myself entirely enveloped in the struggles and victories of characters just like Brianna.
So, who would enjoy this delightful romp through fifth-grade politics? Quite simply, anyone with a sprinkle of ambition and a dash of daydreaming. Whether you are a young reader yourself or a parent looking for a book that encourages discussion about ethics, friendship, and personal growth, President of the Whole Fifth Grade delivers it all.
In reflecting on my reading experience, I found joy in reconnecting with the ambitious dreams of youth—a reminder that it’s never too late to chase big ideas, just like Brianna. If you’re looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful read that engages the heart and mind, grab a cupcake (or two!) and immerse yourself in Brianna’s world. You won’t regret it!
You can find President of the Whole Fifth Grade (President Series, 1) here >>