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What If You Could
  • Published: 2 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9781776956807
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 384

What If You Could

Formats & editions
Paperback
2 June 2026
EBook
2 June 2026
Audiobook
2 June 2026
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From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens 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 in the world 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.
  • Published: 2 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9781776956807
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 384
Categories:

About the author

Jacinda Ardern

Jacinda Ardern was elected prime minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of thirty-seven and became the country’s youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. In 2018, she gave birth to her daughter, Neve, and became the first leader of a country in thirty years to give birth while in office. In 2023, she was awarded the accolade Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. She now spends her time writing, speaking, learning, and being a mum. You can follow Jacinda Ardern on Instagram and X @JacindaArdern.
portrait photo of Jacinda Ardern

Also by Jacinda Ardern

A Different Kind of Power
Mum's Busy Work
See all

Praise for What If You Could

Young readers will identify with her doubts and fears and draw strength from the challenges she has faced. The anecdotes are engaging and accessible for readers aged 13 and up, and each chapter ends with the lesson learned during that period of her life. This is an inspiring book that deserves a place in school libraries and on family bookshelves. Jacinda never talks down to her readers. Her final words, spoken while reflecting on how difficult it can be to be a teenager and to navigate life's challenges, are testament to that: "If it feels hard, it's because it is. So please, be kind to yourself. You are not weak, you are human... And you are enough, just as you are."

Maria Gill, Kids Books NZ