Young World
Soman Chainani
At a glance
Buckle up and sit back for one of the most fast-paced, crazy YA novels to come out this year.
Published in hardback with a neon-pink cover and edged papers, this book not only tells a story it shows it. An extensive array of striking posters, diagrams, maps, list and messages complement a story line which is both unconventional and implausible. Or is it?
17-year-old Benton Young finds himself elected as the President of the United States. He hadn’t intended his social media video to go viral but it sparked a revolution across the planet inspiring other teens to do the same. Their mission is to repair the damage previous older leaders have done thus giving them a future. It’s a tempting idea and one which would make for great sixth form discussion.
I liked the way in which the narrative works on three levels: the murder mystery which places Benton as the chief suspect, the detailed insight into the world of global politics and the very real world of a confused 17-year-old as he navigates family and friend relationships and a new job.
This is a fantastic read and should be left out in front of any young person who is watching what is happening in the world and asking themselves what if?…
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2026
