AT THE LIBRARY

September 23, 2008

Presidential Children's Books

The Presidential election is only a few short weeks away and voter interest is at an all-time high. The Children’s Department has put together a wonderful display of books on the election theme covering fiction, non-fiction and biographies for all age ranges. You can find a complete list of children’s fiction, non-fiction and biography titles concerning presidential candidates and elections by visiting our website at www.rodmanlibrary.com and clicking on "Rodman Kids". Check out some of the following books:

Election day, by Margaret McNamara.

This easy Level 1 reader tells the fictional story of a class election at Robin Hill School. New student Becky wants to convince her classmates that she would make a great class president. She finds a promise she can keep, at the same time persuading her classmates to vote for her. Ages 4-7.

Otto runs for president, by Rosemary Wells.

Barkadelphia School is preparing to elect a new president. One candidate is beautiful and popular. The other is a star athlete and a born leader. Their negative campaigns are the talk of the school. Then there’s Otto, who listens to everyone in school – even the kindergartners. Who will come out on top? This picture book by the prolific Wells will spark discussions with young students. Ages 5-8.

What presidents are made of, by Hanoch Piven.

This artistic creation offers a unique way of looking at some of our past United States presidents. Short paragraphs about such well-known (and little-known) presidents as George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan are accompanied by clever portrait collages using materials and objects that reflect the president. For example, Ronald Reagan’s portrait uses jellybeans for facial features while Jimmy Carter has peanut shells for a nose. Ages 7-12.

Presidential elections and other cool facts (2nd ed. c2001), by Syl Sobel.

Told in easy-to-digest segments, this non-fiction title discusses election facts and trivia starting with the first "election" in 1789 when George Washington ran unopposed. Other topics covered include describing the Electoral College and how it works, campaigns, conventions and presidential succession. Ages 8-11.

Presidential races: the battle for power in the United States, by Arlene Morris-Lipsman.

Part of the "People’s History" series, this 2008 title is a chronological look at each presidential campaign from Washington through Bush-Kerry in 2004. How political parties and processes have changed over the years is highlighted in both text and illustration, including political cartoons and slogans. An election results chart at the end of the book succinctly shows the outcome of each election. Ages 10 and up.