Mindy Kim, Class President

Mindy Kim #4

by Lyla Lee, Dung Ho (Illustrator)

Fresh Off the Boat meets Junie B. Jones in the adorable chapter book series following Mindy Kim, a young Asian American Girl—in this fourth novel, Mindy runs for class president!

It’s time to pick a class president, and Mindy really wants to win—and she’s basing her entire campaign on snacks and being kind, so how could she NOT be chosen?

But there is one big thing that Mindy is not sure she can do—make a speech to her class about why she would be the best pick for president. Can Mindy face her fears and show the class—and herself—that she can be the best class president ever?

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Asian American, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, School Stories, Halloween

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

Lyla Lee is the bestselling author of books for all ages. Inspired by her Korean heritage and love of pop culture, she writes cute and sometimes swoony stories that have been translated into multiple languages around the world. Originally from South Korea, she’s lived in various cities throughout the United States, worked in Hollywood, and studied Psychology and Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. She now lives in Dallas, Texas. Visit Lyla at lylaleebooks.com or on social media (Kid lit: @literarylyla and adult romance: @authorlylalee).

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the most recent of the Mindy Kim series that is currently out (I'm so excited for the fifth book, in which Mindy goes to Korea!), and it might actually be my favorite! In it, Mindy decides to run for class president, and it could not be more third grade. First of all, the central tension is that she has to give a speech, but her speech paper is a fill in the blank! Hilarious. Secondly, why does she want to run for class president? No idea. But when she (**attention: spoiler**) doesn't win the election, she realizes that her platform (kindness, snacks, and being friends) isn't limited to being class president. She can do all of these things by being a regular member of the class and supporting the newly elected president. Awwww. So many chapter book series are really snarky and sarcastic (and I'm kind of those things a lot of the time), but Mindy Kim's emphasis on kindness really has me charmed.

Gr. 2-3

[Elizabeth Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teacher recommendation: My kids enjoyed it and was good when we learned about government and were talking about leaders. Since we only read this one, I didn’t like that the “enemy” was from a previous book (the first). Being that this was the fourth book I would have preferred from an Social Emotional learning perspective that she would have moved passed that. Overall though my kids enjoyed the book and are interested in checking out her other stories.

[Abby Johnson]

This is a super cute early chapter book series about a Korean-American girl navigating a new life in a new state. With details about her Korean heritage and meat to the story as Mindy not only navigates a new school but life without her mom, this is a winning series perfect for fans of the Anna Banana books or Jasmine Toguchi.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really adorable book. Read it in one sitting lol and it was just the quick read I needed to cleanse my palate and get a little new tastes.

Will be looking forward to the next Mindy Kim book 😊😊

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favourite book in the series but it was a solid story still that talked about elections and how someone can overcome their public speaking fears.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have enjoyed the Mindy Kim series; T has blossomed into a fluent reader of early chapter books, reading several pages of each chapter himself (and then trading off with me). He likes Mindy as a character and enjoys the stories about her. He has strong opinions on the problems she has faced. Mindy Kim, Class President was just as positive of a reading experience, but the subject matter was not such a great fit. Mindy, in a run for class president, fears public speaking and works to gain confidence and oratory skills. Mindy is not set on winning as much as running a good campaign and simply participating. Spoiler Alert: She doesn't win. She does set an excellent and believable example as a gracious loser, though. The whole process she goes through is empowering to readers, emphasizing the journey and personal achievement.

T's lesser interest in this story line is, I think, a result of T being in kindergarten and not having experience with student government. However, reading about Mindy's platform and campaign did prompt a fair amount of conversation about her candidacy and promises. Mindy's platform is friendship, kindness, and snack sharing. As a former student-council moderator, I found myself critical of her teacher's allowance of campaign swag (like edible treats given out on election day) and compensatory promises (of more snacks from Mindy upon her election). This contributed to our conversations and helped T to view campaign promises critically. In all, Mindy Kim, Class President was a tense and uplifting story about a complex and relatable character. I recommend the series and look forward to reading the next two installments with T!

[Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy is eight years old and now in third grade. Third grade comes with new responsibilities, like more homework and class duties. Like being class president. With election season coming up for the adults, it’s also time to pick a class president. Mindy is scared to run because candidates need to present a speech to the class, and public speaking makes her feel queasy. But Sally and Dad believe in her, so she decides to give it a try. After brainstorming with her Dad, she decides to base her platform on friendship, kindness, and snacks.

Mindy’s story teaches readers about standing up to their fears. Although Mindy lacks confidence in public speaking, her dad encourages her with a growth mindset, telling her that he’s proud of the work she puts into her campaign regardless of whether she wins or loses. And he teaches her that she can do the things she promises in her platform even if she loses. Her friend, Sally, and her babysitter, Eunice, and Eunice’s mom also encourage her and give her advice along the way. Along with Mindy, readers will learn what a platform is and that each vote matters. Mindy learns also the value of her work in and of itself, respect for her fellow campaigners (except for a mean kid), and the importance of friendship.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Mindy Kim has adjusted to her new school, miles and miles away from her old home in California. In fact, now that she is in third grade, Mindy is ready to run for class president! Mindy learns all about how to run a great campaign (with a platform focused on kindness and snacks), but she is extra nervous about having to make a speech in front of her whole class. Can Mindy face her fears and win over her classmates?

I adore this series. Mindy Kim is a Korean American elementary school student, going through the ups and downs of everyday school drama, elements of her culture easily woven into the storytime, and personal and familial adjustments to her mom dying before Mindy and her Dad moved to Florida. Great for fans of Jasmine Toguchi--though I really, really hope the Mindy Kim series doesn't end with just four books like that series. More Mindy Kim please! Already a regular book talk title for me, I will be passing these books to more and more kids.

[Pam Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindy's platform of friends, kindness, and snacks sounds like a winner. What scares her is having to make a speech as part of her campaign. Her babysitter. dad, and stuffed animals are a supportive audience as she practices. The weekend before the campaign is Halloween and her first time in the haunted house at the carnival. Finding her courage there helps when she makes her speech on Monday. She hopes she'll win but she'll accept someone else as long as it isn't mean Brandon. Lighthearted encouragement for anyone who has ever had to try something new. Expressive black and white illustrations. This is number four in the series.

[Sarahs Reads ToKids · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family really enjoys the Mindy Kim series and we are looking forward to books 5 & 6 this year.

Mindy steps out of her comfort zone because she really wants to help her friends and fellow classmates. And one way to do that is to run for class president. Mindy hates public speaking, A LOT! to the point that a haunted house isn't as scary giving a speech. Can Mindy overcome her fear of public speaking? What will push her to keep at it instead of dropping out? And will she be the next class president?

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Mindy Kim series is perfect for Fall. Halloween and elections are the focus as Mindy celebrates her favorite holiday and prepares to run for class president. I love how Mindy works hard to prepare for the election, but even more how she overcomes her fear of public speaking. I think this fear is one a lot of kids can relate to and this book shows how she works through it. Sweet and fun, the latest Mindy Kim book is just as delightful as the earlier books in the series.

[Holly]

I love this series

[Great Books]

Mindy Kim is back in this newest installment of the Mindy Kim series. In this book, Mindy learns what it means to be a good friend while running for class president and overcomes her fear of public speaking. I loved the little cultural elements and how Mindy navigates through a new grade after moving and her dad's new girlfriend.
Reviewer #18

[dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute, fun read in this series!

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I enjoyed this book. It demonstrates determination, addresses doubt, and wraps up with some very valuable life lessons on sportsmanship.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that books like this one are such important reads for the little readers in our lives. Not only does it teach the reader more about a culture (key words and phrases and snacks), but it also teaches them the importance of kindness, bravery, and how to approach scary moments in life.

Mindy faces her class's presidential elections in this one and while the teacher comments on the importance of voting and using that right we all have, we also watch Mindy overcome her fear of public speaking and how it's okay to be an adult with fears (her father), or my favourite, how it's okay for adults to have stuffed animals.

I love seeing Mindy grow in each book and I will never get over how adorable she is! I think this is a great and under-appreciated series.

Happy reading!

[Genres and Journals *Tia* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of Mindy overcoming her fear of giving a speech in front of her class…love the idea of practicing in front of an audience of stuffed animals. So cute and effective too! I’ll have to give this tip to my kiddos.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t believe how much Mindy has grown up since the series started. Love this series!

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing fun and scary adventures of Mindy Kim, Asian American in elementary school

[Josh Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet story following the life of Mindy Kim. In this story Mindy runs for class president against a few of her classmates. The story addresses well the importance of hard work, facing your fears, and illustrates well healthy and unhealthy competition. My six year old girls continue to enjoy these stories and ask for more. I feel they continue to be appropriate for their age as well. Overall a great read.

[Ettak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindy Kim is now a third grader! And when she gets the chance to run for her third grade Class President, she is nervous about public speaking but wants to give it a try. Family and friends, even puppies and plushies are very supportive and encouraging. Will Mindy Kim soon have a new title, President Kim?

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got tired of books about class elections while I was still the target audience for them, but this one is pretty cute. I like the focus on Mindy overcoming her fear of public speaking.

However, the title is deceptive. Mindy does not actually become the class president, but graciously celebrates the girl who does. I think it's great for books to show main characters accepting failure instead of achieving everything that they aim for, but this will disappoint people who are reading the book to see an Asian-American class president.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Mindy Kim book I’ve read and I’d like to read more. Mindy learns some important lessons while running for class president, such as how to be brave, how to handle the bully, and how to handle disappointment gracefully. The author’s writing style makes gives this book an journal-like feel from the perspective of 8 y/o Mindy Kim, complete with plenty of exclamation marks. Lyla Lee also does a great job incorporating Korean phrases and some Korean culture, and explains them in an age appropriate way.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halloween is just around the corner, and a class election gives Mindy Kim the opportunity to do something really scary...public speaking!!

I enjoy Mindy Kim's optimism and honesty. She learns good lessons for kids her age. I do wish that there wasn't one "bad guy" character throughout the series because books should provide a learning ground for children to see forgiveness and growth as well as develop an empathetic point of view.

[Jamie Ofelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy Kim is running for Class President on a platform of yummy snacks and friendship! But in order to win the election, she has to give a speech in front of the whole class! With the help of her friends and family, Mindy must spend a week practicing her public speaking skills.

I highly recommend this book; Mindy never disappoints!

[Alyssa Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the fourth book of the series and is about Mindy running for class president. Her campaign is going to be fully based on friendship, kindness, and snacks. The story is all about Mindy's fear of giving a public speech and worrying about whether she is going to win or not. This story would be a great independent read to add to a classroom library.

[Anna Salvesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mindy Kim ran to be class president but she didn't win the election. She was a good sport and was happy for the girl who won- Priscilla Jones. There was a mean boy who was running, and she was just happy he didn't win. Mindy also invited a new girl- Lindsay from Minnesota- to have lunch.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4, I believe, in the Mindy Kim series. Read with my 8yo and she relates to Mindy and enjoys the series as entertaining. This one relates to running for class President and has good lessons in being honest and a good sport.

[Mabel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy’s class is having an election for class president and she is one of the candidates. She doesn’t like taking in front of people, but when she practiced in front of her dad and toys she felt better. Her friend Patricia won and Mindy was glad because Patricia is really nice.

[Megan Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great story to teach kids about elections in an accessible way. It was also great to see how the platform she was running on was exhibited throughout the story. That was really neat. And, as always, I love learning about her Korean culture throughout!