President of the Whole Sixth Grade

Brianna Justice #2

by Sherri Winston

In this follow-up to President of the Whole Fifth Grade , Brianna navigates her toughest challenge middle school!

Brianna Justice is determined to raise enough money for the big class trip to Washington, D.C., but she's up against a classmates who all pretend to be something they're not, a new nemesis determined to run her out of office, and the sinking feeling she's about to lose her two best friends for good. But just when she begins to lose hope, she comes to realize that sometimes surprises can turn out even better than the best-laid plans.

Sherri Winston tells a story brimming with humor and heart as Brianna navigates the ins and outs of middle school, discovering that inspiration can come when you least expect it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, School, Fiction, Juvenile, African American

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

Prepare for your greatest mission yet. Jada Sly, Artist & Spy, is ready to take you on a journey across Manhattan and behind the scenes at her family’s museum. Fast-paced and quick-witted, Jada leads us into her conspiratorial world with great panache and determination. Perfect for cool middle grade spies.
Sherri Winston has eight published works of fiction, and lives in Orlando, FL.

Reviews

[ReGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't think this is as strong as the first, I definitely think it is a strong follow up to President of the Whole Fifth Grade. While the first book explored American civics as an aside, this one tackles the Roman empire, which is a great perspective for kids to have. Brianna has now been appointed president of the entire sixth grade, which requires her to raise enough money for a class trip to DC. This book tackles some realistic things about middle school, especially the change and evolution of friendships, which is a big thing that happens for this age group. Also, upon arriving in DC, there are lessons interspersed about governmental structure as well. There are parts that are a little too unbelievable, but you can still stretch your imagination and go along with it. For the lessons it includes alone, it's a great read. The fact that the book isn't focused on race but definitely includes some aspects of being an African-American female in the book pushes it up my list.

[♡︎Jada♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t if it was a glitch, but I was not on page 285! This book was amazing, but I will say I was wasn’t as interested in the book towards the end but that won’t stop me from giving it a 4 star rating!!

[Raven 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and easy read. I would be happy to have this on my classroom shelf for its messages of empowerment, friendship, change, and leadership.
My only criticism would be the representation of 6th graders. To put it into perspective 6th graders are 11-12 years old. They can be awesome and well-spoken and driven. They can have outstanding perspective and savvy street smarts. But at 11-12 all those things come with a generous side order of awkward and a dash (read slathering) of hormonal. Winston did a good job writing characters, I just didn't believe they were 6th graders. Maybe 8th.
That one criticism aside the book it cute and touches on a number of important, relevant MS topics.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh..it was okay. I thought she was an outgoing, nice, person and I certainly thought it was decent as it was, but nothing REALLY sparked my interest. The author did a wonderful job, however, and there’s a very relatable character written in the pages of this book.

[abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up

[mary]

the mc was my idol when i was in like 4th grade

[Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

STORY: In the president of the whole sixth grade, the main character is Brianna. Brianna is determined to raise enough money to go to Washington for her class. She almost gets replaced by Brattley who we learned doesn’t even want to be president, but that his brother was pushing him into it, in a later chapter. But thanks to him spilling the beans on his brother for taking her ideas and the support of the other kids she gets them to Washington. I think one thing she would really want in the book is a bakery of her own to make all the cupcakes she wants and sell them to be a cupcake-making millionaire like she said she wanted to be, but gets other hobbies as well and doesn’t know what she wants to do anymore, but by the end of the book, because of advice from the president, First Lady, and Neptune, she’s famous! Also because of her kind heart and baking skills. Haha. I think she'd want more than anything, her friends Sara and Becks after the Peas, Prya and Paisley whisked them away from her to use their money and get free stuff though most of the book. Brianna makes up with Sara and might do so with Becks another time. Something I think she could use is advice. Advice about being a teen, about dealing with stuff, like the stuff she dealt with. And I think that would do her a big favor in life, yet she kind of already got that advice from the time she had in Washington.
My video review: https://youtu.be/2PE_lj4q48A

[Elaine Donadio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth grader at Detroit, Michigan's Blueberry Hills Middle School, Brianna Diane Justice is a feisty, entrepreneurial, capable, dynamic barrel of laughs. She's been appointed president of the entire sixth grade and finds clear evidence that everyone doesn't grow up at the same rate. Brianna and her dearest friends are now going in different directions while her goals are now more aligned with different classmates. Brianna's old friends are suddenly chasing boys and the social climbing around the popular girls while Brianna is concerned with school fundraisers and school and community improvements. Brianna's most important task is to raise $2,500 to cover the shortfall for "THE BIG" sixth grade class trip to Washington, D.C. or the trip would be canceled.

Brianna's take-charge personality is in full swing. Her clipboard is filled with ideas for making money. One of the problems she encounters is the lack of maturity and work ethic of some of the other students. Some are even cheating elderly people out of money by lying about the price being charged to clean out their garages or mow their lawns. Sometimes, the police are called in to apprehend the culprits. Then, there are the haters and the saboteurs. Despite the number of setbacks, Brianna keeps coming up with ideas, and brainstorms with her classmates until their financial goal is met. Success at last!

They students go to Washington, D.C. where Brianna has a chance to meet and interview the First Lady and then, the President of the United States. She is thrilled beyond belief and takes this rare opportunity to ask these accomplished adults advice on achieving success in life. Brianna is an instant media sensation and a star in her hometown, especially after the president's nephew kisses her after they have formed an instant bonding while stuck in a White House elevator together with a secret service agent.

This is a fun book filled with positive role models. Hard work, kindness, good character, and positive family and community values are praised. Brianna accepts that certain friendships have run their course and it's time for new friends whose values and aspirations are more closely aligned with her new found maturity. And it's OK when that happens. People evolve. Situations evolve.

Brianna is studying about Greek and Roman civilizations in school and draws comparisons to life in today's world in her school and community. Interesting and educational.

This being said, Brianna's actions, words, and ideas seem much too mature for a child her age. Some events in the book are overly contrived and not at all realistic. Readers, parents and teachers can feel secure in the messages expounding traditional values. The author understands kids with her characters using appropriate street dialogue to keep the story going. Fast-paced. Fun. A great read!

Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net.

I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.

All rights reserved  2024

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

308 pages. This second book in the series is really great. I think the realistic plots and drama for Brianna Justice will provide a fun ride, especially for girls. She is learning who she is and moving away from toxic friendships of the past. She is bold and building her confidence as she prepares for a trip to Washington DC. I love the support she receives from family and friends throughout. The author weaves many themes throughout that will make for some great discussions if used as a class read-aloud or focus book for smaller groups. Highly recommended for 5- 6th graders. I can't wait to read book 3. Bravo!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extraordinary adventure taken place in a middle school. It has a lot of clever storytelling and an excellent plot line as well as humorous characters. This book really toyed with my emotions as I got in farther, into the book and as soon as I started it I was hooked imidietly. It's really good and I enjoyed reading it.

[Penelope Haese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I loved how I could see everything that was happening in my mind. The author used very good descriptive words, and the way it was written was great. I give this book 5 stars because of the way the author told the story from a 11/12-year-olds point of view. Great book. Great read.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it and I'm glad that she got everyone to go on the trip. It takes a lot of hard work to be in charge of something like that. I think that 6 graders would like it more because they can relate to some of the difficulties that she had.

[Ellen Deckinga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute middle grade coming of age story. I think it would be a good read for a kid transitioning into 6th grade.

Teacher talk:
There are no cuss words, violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. This is very clean. It was definitely written with a younger reader in mind.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very stressed and tried this multiple times. (ETA: I did go back to it and finish it.) Different narrator for this one from the last one, so nothing about the main character sounded the same. She's stressed out in it but I thought the plot was different but maybe that's book 3. This ramped up my anxiety bc of anxious protag so I set it aside for a bit. I started with Lotus Bloom and the Afro revolution (finished , very good.) review in progress

[Emily Lanpher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that shares many great messages with it's readers! Excellent read for the promotion of tweens and young adults taking a stand for their beliefs and going the extra mile.

[Mark Tredray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Lacks the nuance and depth of some of the other YA literature I've read. No issues with inappropriate content for 6th grade.

[Aliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am going to love this book

[Piper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This got really boring towards the end.

[Madison Teel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book it's kid to kid😁

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍

[Veronika Bitting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianna has to raise money for the annual field trip. Kids can read this book and think about what they could do to help out their own school one day.

[Nylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

President of the whole six grade is a great book because it has information about what to do as class president.

[Ellie Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not shabby

[Freedom Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT

[Kimberly Alowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, good message but so far fetched

[Sheryl P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one with a granddaughter. She really enjoyed it, and read it in a couple of sittings.

[Kelston · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brianna Justice thought that running for 6th grade president would be the smae as 5th grade she was completly wrong! When Brianna figured out she has to fill out paper work in the middle of class, that was not for her. Brianna just wanted to fit in & be something in 6th grade. Oh & of course theres that one bully on Briannas bus, ugh! But all of Briannas go to this D.C field trip. If she doesnt raise enough money along with her classmates, what will Brianna be come of?


I think someone who has a lot worries & is freaked out by middle school would enjoy this book.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we have Brianna Justice, a goal-oriented, smart, and determined young girl, who is class President of the sixth grade. She's trying to raise money for a class trip to Washington D.C. She has her handy clipboard and ideas on how to raise money for her class. Although, there are some issues that arise when two of her best friends start to act weird and hang out with some popular mean girls called, The Peas. Brianna is faced with having to get her class to D.C. and trying to keep up with friends who are slowly distancing themselves from her. Brianna discovers quickly that middle school changes people, but also helps them to grow. She sees it in her friends' behavior, but in herself as well, and she's not sure if she's ready for that. She wants everything to be the same. The author, Sherri Winston, does a swell job in writing how to deal with changing friendships and realizing when you have to let people go. She uses witty humor to balance out the drama that's happening. Brianna's character will surely inspire others to go after their goals and get a new persective that change can be scary, but it's necessary to grow. It also doesn't hurt to have some yummy recipes to try out after all the baking they do. A+ to Sherri Winston

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, enjoyable story, with a plucky, high-achieving protagonist. Without spoiling the ending, I will say that I was a bit disappointed with her speech at the end. I'm also unsure how I feel about the way the story resolved with her friends Sara & Beck. I didn't realize somehow that this is a sequel until after I was partway into the book. I'll probably go back and read the prequel at some point, and I hope that the author continues Brianna's story.