The Prime Minister problem by Brenton Cullen

Ten-year-old Wren lives in a small country town and feels invisible.  His mum is busy working, his older brother has his own life, and Wren has his school library, books and his grandma. 

At school, his class is learning about Australian politics and are asked to write to the Prime Minister as part of an assignment, Wren writes about his concerns around the local animals and bushfires; after all she’s meant to help all Australians, right?

When his letter goes unanswered and his grandma has a stroke and needs to move to a nursing home in the city that is hours away from home, Wren tries again to connect with the Prime Minister.  When he still receives no response, he takes matters into his own hands together with the new girl, Tamara with surprising results.

I really enjoyed this book, it shows one of the issues of living in rural Australia and the fact that a tiny idea can spark a national change.  As Wren discovers that he is not invisible after all his confidence grows and so does his friendship circle.  Without his grandma around, Wren takes on new challenges and seeks to solve his problem, with or without the Prime Minister. 

This is a brilliant book about isolation, community and making a difference, it would be an excellent class novel or read aloud but will also be one that engages many independent readers.  I would recommend this book to primary-aged students as it shows the value of community and social connections and the sharing of emotions. This book, while gentle and quiet will connect with readers and give them a chance to see that they aren’t alone in the world, but sometimes they are they ones that need to be brave to make an impact and find their place.

Themes: Isolation, Community, Connection, Family, Problem-solving, Rural communities, Politics, Australian.

Mhairi Alcorn