Thank you to NetGalley, Rosen Publishing Group, West 44 Books, and Max Howard for the opportunity to read The Surprise Party Rules in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Everything in Its Path, I was more than excited for another HiLo novel-in-verse from Max Howard! This novel is about a revenge act that takes an intriguing twist. What a hilarious, and at times absurd, novel that got me questioning...could this really happen?

Ivy has had many jobs, but the ice cream shop is owned by the Mayor, who fires her. Seeking revenge, Ivy pulls some friends together and she decides she will run for Mayor so that he has some form of competition. They treat the entire campaign as jokesters, crashing the Mayor's assembly with whoopie cushions that soon become real farts (and burps, because "freedom of speech" and the like).

Her hilarious shenanigans actually end up getting her elected as the mayor, at age 18, still a senior in high school. I revert back to my previous question: is this realistic? Technically yes, as one must be 18 to run for mayor, but for someone who is not really invested in political science and has not even graduated, looking at the campaign as a joke? Not likely, but man, what a hilarious story!

Ivy ends up taking her role of leadership a bit more seriously and does find ways to genuinely help the people of her city, even though many want to see her pushed out of the position. And just wait until the end. With the boats. I laughted too hard, but really have genuine appreciation for how Ivy wants to take care of the citizens in her new leadership role. She just has a lot to learn first!

Yet another fun novel-in-verse that makes for a quick read and an enjoyable scenario. I will be looking forward to the next Max Howard book with gusto!