PROLOGUE

CLAUDIA

My name is Claudia Tapper. I’m twelve years old. And I’m just going to be completely honest about this: I want to be president.

And not just president of the sixth grade, but the whole United States.

I know this probably sounds obnoxious. But I think it’s very important to set big goals for yourself ^{Ed. Note: (I also want to be a famous singer-songwriter—but that is a whole other story)} and try to be the best person you can be. That way, even if you fall short, you could still end up being vice president. ^{Ed. Note: or maybe governor of something}

I also know getting elected president is a MAJOR long shot, and I’ll have to face a ton of challenges to pull it off. For the record, I am totally fine with that. Facing big challenges and kicking butt at them is what makes a person a strong leader. Nobody wants a president who didn’t have to work hard to get the job.

That’s why I decided to put together this book, which is the official history of my campaign to be re-elected president of Culvert Prep’s sixth grade class.

Because that election was the biggest challenge of my life.

Mostly thanks to my stupid twin brother.

REESE

I seriously was NOT planning to run for president.

I mean, it’s not like I want to be one when I grow up. I’ve seen the real president on TV, and there’s no way I’d want that guy’s job. He spends his whole day wearing a suit and getting yelled at. It’s even worse than being a lawyer. ^{Ed. Note: not true. Dad is a lawyer—it is MUCH worse than being president}

But the thing is, sometimes you have to stand up for your beliefs. And that’s what I was doing.

This election wasn’t about me.

It was about freedom. ^{Ed. Note: Reese HAS NO CLUE what that even means (his campaign manager taught him to say it)}

MOM AND DAD (Text messages copied from Dad’s phone)

 

(MOM) FYI, Claudia’s writing another
oral history ^{Ed. Note: oral history=my interviews w/everybody involved}

(DAD) My whole body just clenched up in fear

I told her she can’t use our texts this time

Smart move. We would look like worst
parents ever

No kidding. Especially me

Just don’t leave your phone lying around or
she will steal it and take screenshots

Don’t worry—my phone is
password-protected ^{Ed. Note: Dad’s password=7734}