📖 Overview
Vote for Larry follows Josh Swensen, a teenage anti-consumerist activist who previously faked his own death as internet personality "Larry" and went into hiding. After being convinced to resurrect his Larry persona, Josh makes the unprecedented decision to run for U.S. President as the Peace Party candidate.
Josh's campaign faces multiple obstacles, including his age, attempts on his life, and maintaining his strict anti-materialist principles in the spotlight. His personal life becomes complicated as he navigates relationships with both his current girlfriend and his ex, while his nemesis betagold continues to threaten his mission.
The narrative tracks Josh's journey through the 2004 presidential campaign, featuring endorsements from major musicians and a constitutional amendment that lowers the presidential age requirement to 18. His grassroots movement gains momentum as he spreads his message of peace and anti-consumerism across the nation.
This political satire explores themes of youth activism, identity, and the power of social movements to create change. The novel raises questions about authenticity, sacrifice, and the impact young people can have on the political system.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Vote for Larry as a fast-paced follow-up that maintains the political activism themes from the first book while tackling real-world issues. Many say it works well as a standalone story.
What readers liked:
- Makes politics accessible and relevant to young readers
- Strong character development of Larry
- Clear explanations of complex political processes
- Realistic portrayal of campaign challenges
What readers disliked:
- Some found the premise unrealistic
- Political messages can feel heavy-handed
- Less humor than the first book
- Romance subplot feels forced
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (45 ratings)
Common reader comments highlight the book's ability to engage teens in civic participation. One reviewer noted: "My 13-year-old now understands more about elections than most adults." Several teachers mentioned using it to teach government and activism in middle school classrooms.
📚 Similar books
Running for Student Body President by Diane Schwemm
A teen activist runs for student government while battling school bureaucracy and discovering the challenges of political campaigns.
The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian A teenage boy creates an anti-consumerist website that propels him to underground fame and forces him to confront the consequences of his beliefs.
Nothing But the Truth by Avi A student's humming of the national anthem escalates into a national controversy about free speech and patriotism in schools.
Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford A freshman navigates high school politics and social hierarchies while running for class president against the school's most popular student.
Feed by M. T. Anderson A teenager questions consumer culture and corporate control in a future where people connect directly to the internet through brain implants.
The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian A teenage boy creates an anti-consumerist website that propels him to underground fame and forces him to confront the consequences of his beliefs.
Nothing But the Truth by Avi A student's humming of the national anthem escalates into a national controversy about free speech and patriotism in schools.
Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford A freshman navigates high school politics and social hierarchies while running for class president against the school's most popular student.
Feed by M. T. Anderson A teenager questions consumer culture and corporate control in a future where people connect directly to the internet through brain implants.
🤔 Interesting facts
🗳️ Part of a trilogy called "The Gospel According to Larry," this is book two in the series, preceded by "The Gospel According to Larry" and followed by "Larry and the Meaning of Life"
📱 The book was ahead of its time in depicting online celebrity culture and viral fame, published in 2004 before the rise of YouTube (2005) and modern social media platforms
✍️ Author Janet Tashjian has written over 30 books for young readers, including the popular "My Life As..." series and "Einstein the Class Hamster"
🏛️ The novel's premise of lowering the presidential age requirement would require a Constitutional amendment, as Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution sets the minimum age at 35
🎯 The book's protagonist, Josh/Larry, promotes an anti-consumerist message and owns only 75 possessions, reflecting real-world minimalist movements