Book Cover

What If You Could

Contributor(s): Ardern, Jacinda (Author), Shamir, Ruby (Adapted by)

ISBN: 9780593692219

Publisher: Philomel Books

Hardcover
$19.99
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Pub Date: June 2, 2026

Lexile Code: 0000

Features: Price on Product

Target Age Group: 10 to UP

Physical Info: 1.01" H x 8.53" L x 5.66" W ( 0.80 lbs) 288 pages

Descriptions, Reviews, etc.

Description: From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for young readers on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong.

When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people and, at the time, the youngest woman leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed--herself included. Wouldn't her insecurity, overthinking, worrying, and kindness stop her from being able to achieve her goals?

As she soon learned, though, it was exactly those attributes--as well as caring and wanting to listen to and serve others--that made her into the empathetic, adaptable, and effective leader that she was.

While sharing her own experiences and challenges as a young person, and then as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern asks readers to realize that true strength, success, and power come from embracing ourselves just as we are--imposter syndrome and all.

Review Quotes: Praise for What If You Could

"In this heartfelt memoir . . . Ardern candidly describes her struggles, missteps, and triumphs to inspire other young women that they, too, can succeed, even when they doubt themselves. Young women will be inspired." --Booklist

"An engaging read for teens that offers a peek behind the scenes of the life of a remarkable and influential woman." --Kirkus Reviews

"By turns funny and heartbreaking, Ardern's stories are relatable to a wide range of readers. [Her] keen empathy for the plight of others is evident throughout . . . Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal

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