Author Soman Chainani has released a young-adult political thriller titled “Young World” about a teenager who becomes president of the U.S.
The move from fantasy to political fiction aims to motivate young readers to engage with the democratic process and consider pursuing public office. By centering a narrative on youth leadership, Chainani seeks to bridge the gap between adolescent storytelling and real-world civic participation.
Chainani discussed the project during an appearance with Amna Nawaz on PBS NewsHour’s “Settle In” segment. He said the novel is a story about a teen who becomes president and the challenges that come with it [3]. The book was published by Penguin Random House and officially released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 [2].
Chainani is widely known for “The School for Good & Evil” series, which has sold more than 4.5 million copies worldwide [1]. While his previous work focused on the fantasy genre, he said he now wants his readers to be inspired to run for office [1].
During the interview, Nawaz said it is necessary to get young people reading and joining the political process [1]. The narrative serves as a vehicle for this goal, placing a young protagonist in the highest office in the land to explore the complexities of governance.
Chainani said the transition to a political thriller allows him to address the importance of youth agency in a tangible way. The story focuses on the intersection of youth and power, a theme intended to spark conversations about eligibility and representation in government.
““I hope my readers will be inspired to run for office.””
Chainani's shift from high-fantasy to political realism reflects a broader trend of using young-adult literature to address civic apathy. By imagining a world where age barriers to leadership are removed, the novel attempts to reframe political engagement not as a distant adult responsibility, but as an accessible path for current teenagers.
