How Not to Run for Class President

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 15, 2018

Review

Hapka and Titlebaum have paired up to write the story of brothers Will and Steve. Will is a third grader, and Steve is a kindergartner. Throughout the story, Will is unlike-ably fed up with the presence of his little brother. Many readers may be turned off by the venomous way that Will dismisses Steve. Never phased, Steve decides that his brother should run for class president. He pulls increasingly wild stunts and makes crazy promises on Will's behalf. In the end, Will says that he will not follow through with Steve's campaign promises and ultimately loses the election to his relief. It seemed as though there were some good messages and storytelling buried underneath, but unlikable characters and unfocused plotlines did a serious disservice to the book. Palen's illustrations were a bright spot--funny and a little zany.

Overall Book Score: good