Sona Sharma’s class is holding an election for class leader. When her arrogant classmate Pradeep pronounces that everyone will vote for him, Sona impulsively blurts out that she’s running, too, only to have her two best friends, Joy and Renu, mad at her before Joy announces she is running, too. Sona and her fellow candidates must follow their teacher’s campaign rules, which include “no name-calling, bad language, or insults; no fake news; and no promises you cannot keep.” But as Sona works on her campaign, she realizes that her only motivation to run was annoyance at Pradeep; Joy is the one with ideas for their class. Sona’s anxiety about the election is compounded by frustration at home, where she feels like all anyone cares about is her little sister Minmini’s upcoming first-birthday party and Ayush Homam ceremony. In spite of her frustration, it’s clear Sona’s parents and grandparents are tuned in to Sona, too, in an amiable short novel set in India that organically integrates thoughtful information for young readers about campaigning and elections. Occasional black-and-white illustrations accompany the story.

Sona decides to run for class leader! But her friend Joy is running too. Does Sona really want to lead, or just to win? Chitra Soundar shines a light on democracy in the latest book in this charming series.

Sona's class is excited when Miss Rao announces that there will be an election for class leader. But when Pradeep, who is always boasting, says he would be the best choice, Sona knows she doesn't want him to win. So Sona stands up and volunteers to be a candidate too! Strangely, her best friends, Joy and Renu, don't seem happy about it--in fact, they stop talking to Sona altogether. When it turns out that Joy also wants to run for class leader, Sona doesn't know what to do. It's true that Joy has some great ideas for the class, and Sona hasn't thought much beyond stopping Pradeep from winning, but Sona entered the race first and doesn't want to drop out. With advice and support from her family, Sona realizes that no one can become a leader on their own. Readers can explore election terms and ideas along with Sona, as well as a glossary of Indian words (like bonda, a delicious South Indian doughnut) at the back.