What If You Could

From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for young readers on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong.

When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people and, at the time, the youngest woman leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed--herself included. Wouldn't her insecurity, overthinking, worrying, and kindness stop her from being able to achieve her goals?

As she soon learned, though, it was exactly those attributes--as well as caring and wanting to listen to and serve others--that made her into the empathetic, adaptable, and effective leader that she was.

While sharing her own experiences and challenges as a young person, and then as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern asks readers to realize that true strength, success, and power come from embracing ourselves just as we are--imposter syndrome and all.

Author: Jacinda Ardern
Publisher: Philomel Books
Published: 06/02/2026
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.53h x 5.66w x 1.01d
ISBN: 9780593692219
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/01/2026
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 05/02/2026 pg. 1

About the Author
The Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern was elected the fortieth prime minister of New Zealand at the age of thirty-seven, becoming the country's youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. Since leaving office, Ardern has established the Field Fellowship on empathetic leadership. She continues to work on climate action and is the patron of the Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. Ardern also works on a number of projects that support women and girls but considers her greatest roles to be those she will hold for life, including that of mom and proud New Zealander. You can follow Jacinda Ardern on Instagram @JacindaArdern.

Ruby Shamir is an author, literary researcher, and book adapter who has worked on numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning books. She lives in the Bronx, New York, with her husband and three children. You can visit Ruby Shamir online at RubyShamir.com.