President Of The Whole Fifth Grade (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
There is plenty in this book that I found to like. It features an ambitious African American girl who sets no limitations on her future. Those ambitions are not superficial things like being a movie star or pop star, or hoping to marry her favorite movie/pop star. Not only does she have serious entrepreneurial aspirations but also practical plans for how to begin moving towards them. It starts with becoming President of her grade at school. Enter a conniving rival who is willing to stoop as low as necessary to throw a monkey wrench in these plans. Enter an ally who encourages her to put ambition ahead of ethics. Eventually Brianna learns that ambition is as noble as the path one takes to to make their dreams come true. If success comes at the expense of losing loyal friends and losing respect for yourself, can it be considered true success? Brianna Justice's attitude towards education is refreshing. Learning is promoted as interesting and fun rather than imposed drudgery. This is a girl with a good head on her shoulders and eyes firmly set on the prize. I applaud the messages of this story but feel that the execution could have been a little tighter. There was also one too many easily found "deep dark secrets" lying around for convenient plot machination. I'm not the intended audience of this book though. My 8 year old daughter loved it from beginning to end. There's much to be said for satisfying your target reader above and beyond anyone else. #WeNeedDiverseBooks Brianna Justice has had a goal since fourth grade, to become president of her fifth grade class, ever since she heard her hero the famous chef Miss Delicious, was also class president. Brianna also hopes to one day own her own bakery where she can sell her delicious cupcakes. But at the beginning of her fifth grade year, it is decided that the person elected will become president of the whole fifth grade of the entire school and will decide how to spend the grade level's budget. Brianna is even more determined to become president when a new girl, Jasmine Moon, shows up and begins to take away Brianna's friends and possibly her chance at being president of the whole fifth grade. Will she succeed in meeting her goal or will Jasmine destroy her and her friendships? This is a book about setting and reaching your goals, and what you have to do along the way to make sure that you reach them.
What do You think about President Of The Whole Fifth Grade (2010)?
A great book. I love this author. I love how I could relate to the book.
—Millie95
One of my favorite Sunshine State book for this school year, so far.
—Kris
