YOUNG WORLD, by Soman Chainani, Random House Books for Young Readers, May 5, 2026, Hardcover, $21.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A teen is elected President of the United States and accused of killing another world leader in Young World, by Soman Chainani.
America is on the brink of collapse, and the youth have lost all faith in their leaders. As a pivotal election approaches, Benton Young, a high school senior trying to impress a girl, impulsively uploads a video, daring everyone to interfere with the vote and write him in for President. The video explodes online, igniting election chaos and a national revolt, until the Supreme Court intervenes to put Benton in the White House. Galvanized by Benton’s rise, more global youth take to the streets, and more governments fall, until eight of the world’s most powerful nations are led by teenagers.
When these young leaders convene at their first summit in Sweden, they face the monumental task of setting a new course for history. But the first night, their unity is shattered when a leader is murdered in cold blood . . . and Benton is the only suspect. Hunted by enemies young and old, he must untangle a deadly web of secrets, betrayal, and power plays—while the future of the world hangs in the balance.
With globe-spanning action, stunning twists, and an electric new brand of storytelling, Young World is a heart-stopping thriller that asks: What happens when the future really does belong to the young? —Synopsis provided by Random House Books for Young Readers
Young World is a thriller. But its more than that. It’s a sharp social commentary that questions how the world is run.
In Benton, Soman Chainani has crafted a relatable teen who tries to impress a girl and the consequences upend his life. Benton is the everyman. He’s not an overachiever, but he’s bright. He’s got a conscience, and he does want to make the world better. He just doesn’t quite know how to do that. Benton isn’t always likeable, which makes the book that much more interesting.
Even though Young World is good, there are elements that aren’t perfect. At times, the pacing falters, particularly in the first third, and the girl Benton is in love with ends up being a teacher, which is just… ick. But if you can get past those issues, it’s a compelling read. And the mixed media illustrations throughout help drive the action.
Young World is a unique look at how things would look if teens ran the world.
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