Title: Freshman for President
Author: Ally Condie
Pages: 282
Originally Published: 2008
Format I Read: Paperback
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Rating: 
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When I first heard about the premise of this book, a freshman in high school runs for president of the United States, I had my doubts about my ability to like it. After all, the Constitution provides that you have to be at least 35-years-old to be president. Luckily, the book resolves this issue rather quickly:
“I don’t think you can run for president unless you’re a lot older,” said Jack. “Don’t you have to be forty or something?”
“Thirty-five,” said Paige, who, in spite of her rather unimpressive report card, was probably one of the smartest kids in their grade.
Eden sounded impatient. “You can’t actually be president unless you’re thirty-five. But I don’t think there’s any rule against running for president. I’ll look into it.”
“I still think this is insane,” Jack said. Milo ignored him.
A few moments later Eden was back from the computer. “I was right. There’s no rule in the Constitution against running for president. It just says that you can’t be ‘eligible to that office’ unless you’re thirty-five. . . .”
And so Milo Wright, with the support of his three closest friends (Eden, Paige, and Jack), decides to run for president of the United States as a write-in candidate. And the campaign “Write In Wright” is born. Milo’s campaign was not particularly a bid to win, but rather a device to raise awareness about issues facing teenagers.
Despite this somewhat odd setup, I was really impressed with Condie’s writing. She managed to make the characters real and interesting, while still having them sound and act like the teenagers they are. And the story had some nice twists and subplots.
Anyway, the short of it is that I’ll definitely be watching for more work from Ally Condie – especially her new book Matched, which will come out in November and is getting huge buzz already.
Freshman for President, by Ally Condie
Other Reviews:
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{ 6 comments }
Hmm, this sounds sort of similar to Janet Tashjian’s “Vote for Larry”. I enjoyed Tashjian’s book, so maybe I’ll check Condie’s out.
Erin´s last post ..In My Mailbox- Sunday- September 19th- 2010
Ack! A reminder that I haven’t started Matched yet. Urgh. Great review, though.
melissa @ 1lbr´s last post ..Book Review- I So Dont Do Makeup by Barrie Summy
This sounds like a fun book that will be a hit with its intended audience.
I think I’ve heard of it before, and wasn’t interested. But now your review has made me think twice. I’ll add it to my goodreads. Thanks.
Chandra Garbanzo´s last post ..Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Okay, that’s it. I’m going to search my house today until I find this book, which I know is around here somewhere! Then, maybe I’ll even read it once I’ve found it!
Suey´s last post ..Why Fantasy
Erin – I haven’t heard of LARRY FOR PRESIDENT, but I really enjoyed this one. I hope you do too.
Melissa – No worries about MATCHED. I just got the ARC in the mail!
Kathy – That’s a very apt description.
Chandra – The premise didn’t capture me either, but I loved the execution.
Suey – I’m trying to prepare to meet Condie! I’m very excited. As soon as I finish TINKERS, I’m starting in on MATCHED. I might try to get to more of her backlist before the library meeting.
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