It's very definitely a sweet and engaging read and, a word I
use very deliberately for books of this ilk - wholesome. It's that feel-good,
warm-fuzzy uplifting narrative to which young readers always respond with
alacrity. Actually, it puts me in mind of some of our great middle-grade
authors such as the wonderful Robin Klein and Morris Gleitzman.
We've likely all known a kid like Wren, or maybe even been that kid ourselves. He's the outsider. The one who's friendless and never seems to fit in anywhere. He's quiet and his anxiety often causes him to be tongue-tied. His mum is caring and loving but, as a single mother lacking any support from the ex-husband, she's always super busy and very tired, working two part-time jobs. His older brother works too.
In real terms, Wren's best - and only - friend, is his
grandmother. When new girl Tamara arrives in town and Wren is detailed to be
her 'buddy' he has a small hope they could be friends, but that's soon dashed
as well.
Wren is very sensitive and acutely aware of problems outside
his own concerns. When his teacher introduces a new unit of work focused on
government and the role of the prime minister, Wren is inspired to write his
letter to the PM about the need to help our wildlife. But his letter goes
unnoticed by the PM, as do others as he writes with more urgency when things
start to go catastrophically wrong for his family.
Grandma has a stroke, and then a second stroke, and with no
nursing home in their small rural town, and no way of supporting her recovery
at home, she must go to a nursing home 3 hours away in the city. Wren takes his
worries and his upset and transforms them into action. He not only keeps
writing to the PM but comes up with ideas that will completely turn his small
town, and its senior citizens around and in the process go a very long way to
solving the very real problem of loneliness.
Brenton has achieved a really fine balance with his
characterisations here. While characters have flaws, they are neatly balanced
with their strengths and the voice is very authentic. I have no doubt that
middle-grade readers will respond and connect to both the plot and the people
very positively.
With strong themes of empathy, friendship, loneliness,
creative thinking and rising above difficulties it offers many beneficial
talking points. It is a superb choice for a shared read especially if you are
undertaking units around community, governance and taking action. Tamlyn Teow
once again executes a fab interpretation of key points in the novel with her
cover art - always a winner.
All in all, I think we can expect more great work to come
from Brenton - an excellent read for middle-graders.
Title: The Prime Minister Problem
Author: Brenton Cullen
Publisher: Riveted Press, $17.99
Publication Date: April, 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781764256728
For ages: 9+
Type: Fiction
