Maple for the People: (A Middle Grade Novel of School Elections, Friendship, and Finding Ones Voice)

By Kate McGovern

"A charming and affirming page-turner with a happy and unexpected ending." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Maple is running for president of the sixth grade against popular Sonia Shah in this contemporary story of friendship, family, and community action, a follow-up to Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen set in a dyslexia-friendly font.

Maple has made it to sixth grade at last, and her friend Jack thinks she'd make a great class president. At first, Maple's mind isn't on politics--she feels her old friends drifting away, her family can't afford a new rent increase, and her favorite historic tree is taken down by the city, leaving only a stump with hundreds of rings. But when Maple realizes she might be able to achieve something good, like starting a community garden, she jumps into the race. When a fire sweeps through a local building, Maple's priorities change. What if her class could help the families displaced by the disaster? Unfortunately, campaigning on the idea of giving away the class fund isn't too popular, especially when Maple's opponent, Sonia Shah (who has a cool new haircut), promises new tablets for everyone instead. Maple is further disheartened by anonymous attacks on her struggles with reading. But she is determined to see this campaign through, win or lose, with a slogan that shows her truest heart: Maple for the people

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1536233218
• ISBN13: 9781536233216
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.7" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7