Eleven-year-old Harper's dad is unexpectedly made Prime Minister after he heroically rescues two kids and their dog from a shark attack. Harper and her younger sister Lottie find themselves living at Kirribilli House with a strict Prime Ministerial Nanny, attending a posh new school and thrust into the glare of the media spotlight. After two months, Dad is struggling with his new role and the family has become a laughing stock. When he disappears going to a 'conference' and leaves his phone behind...someone has to make the decisions and run the country until Dad hopefully returns.
With their mum away, Harper and Lottie decide to cover for their dad. Pretending Dad's sick and armed with his phone, it's not going to be easy tricking Dev, his diligent Chief of Staff who bombards them with text messages of decisions to be made while also trying to keep their secret from the Deputy Prime Minister who desperately wants Dad's job.
Pressure builds as the Annual Party Meeting looms closer and everyone wants to know the Prime Minister's new policies. Harper and Lottie are learning that with power comes responsibility. Harper finds herself trying to decide between policies for banning plastic bottles, allowing pets at school, creating more green spaces or making weekends longer. What would her Dad do? How can you please everyone? Can Harper prove a kid can lead the country better than a grown-up?
How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five by Carla Fitzgerald's is filled with humour and has a perfect balance of the fun and serious ideas kids have to improve our world. It is also an affirming story about facing your fears and having the courage to stand up for what you believe is right, no matter your age!
What would you do if you were Prime Minister?
I would definitely make sure every school has a library and a teacher librarian.
Thank you for the copy of this book to review UQP Press.
Happy reading!
