The Principal
This is Salvar. He's 12 years old. He's also the principal.
It started out as a joke: Salvar, a troublemaker, applied for the job as his school's new principal and then forgot about it. It turned out he was the only applicant and got the job. Due to a software bug, the government had to let him keep the job.
With a head full of endless ideas ("Pizza and candy floss for lunch! "Every year, the students get to vote out one teacher!") on how to fix his horrible school, and armed with keys to every door in school and nothing to lose, Salvar is on top of the world with his best friend, Gudrun on his side. What's the worst that could happen?
This amusing and touching coming-of-age story by one of Iceland's most popular children's book authors, Ævar Þór Benediktsson, received the 2024 Guðrún Helgadóttir Children's Book Award. The book is illustrated by Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir.
Publishing information
Awards & nominations
Awards
2024
Guðrún Helgadóttir Children's Book Award
Nominations
2025
Icelandic Literature Prize (Children’s books category)
Reviews
“The author strikes a perfect balance between humour and seriousness. He touches on issues such as bullying and dyslexia, and weaves them well into the gripping storyline.”
“A lively story that combines humour, suspense and the coming-of-age tale of primary school pupils in challenging yet often hilarious situations. The story is packed with fun and excitement, keeping readers turning the pages.”
“Ævar's style is sharp and everything happens very quickly! The chapters are short, sometimes just a few sentences, making the book well-suited for children who tend to lose attention quickly. He speaks in human language, doesn't overcomplicate things, and seems to understand children's language quite well. The principal felt like a fast roller coaster; the nonsense never ends, and children will have a great time reading it. Salvar is a very likable character, and you will feel very fond of him by the end of the book. Elín Elísabetar's illustrations are great fun; she captures Salvar's expressions very well (look at the cover!), and her drawings of teacher Dagnýja were also a favorite. The drawings provided a great break from the text and appeared frequently. A great book for children who want stories set in their own time and environment, with a dash of chaos and dreams. Who hasn't dreamed of being able to control everything in their school?”
“But I loved The Principal! I started reading and just couldn't stop until I finished the book. The story is a crazy coming-of-age story for children and anyone who remembers the child they were. [...] The Principal received the Guðrún Helgadóttir Children's Book Award, but her books are children's books of my generation who have read them to their children and then on and on. I have full faith that Ævar Þór is such an author of the generation that is now growing up and that The Principal will entertain children for years to come. Perhaps we will see a sequel to Salvar? Elín Elísabet Einarsdóttir illustrates the story with singular brilliance, and the antics of Salvar and his friends leap off the pages and into the reader's lap.”
“I just get faith that we can boost children's literacy when I read this book. I just can't imagine any child who wouldn't enjoy this book. This is just the book this year for children to get as a Christmas present.”
“This is an incredibly lively and entertaining book.”
