Election Day    Every four years in the United States there is a presidential election. To provide a little background as to the process and prior elections which may help with understanding this year's electioneering, the following books have been highlighted. In addition, two related features President's Day and Books about the Presidents may also provide additional insight. The 2000 Election Ted Gottfried     Without a doubt, the 2000 Presidential Election was one of the most controversial and confusing political events that we have ever had in the United States. For over a month, the American people waited to find out who would be their next president. As a result, it caused everyone to consider the way we elect our officials and whether the right man eventually found his way into office. It also made us realize how important it is to vote, and how reading the ballot incorrectly can make a big difference in a campaign. Ted Gottfried has thoroughly covered the events surrounding this election, particularly the aftermath of November 7th, explaining what those pregnant dimples were, not to mention chads. He also highlights the major figures involved in deciding the outcome of the election. As part of the "Headliners" series, this very informative book clearly explains the event as well as our election process. 2002, The Millbrook Press, $24.90, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States  ISBN: 0-7613-2406-2 America Votes: How Our President Is Elected Linda Granfield Illustrated by Steve Bjorkman    In time for the next presidential election, this book is just the ticket to explain the process to young readers. One-page chapters, liberally illustrated with humorous cartoons and caricatures of former presidents, are filled with information that is presented in a lively manner. Once it is established who is eligible to vote and the importance of that right, readers hit the campaign trail. Primaries, conventions, campaign slogans, financing, press coverage, and debates are carefully described. The dual party system, complete with elephants, donkeys, lame ducks and also-rans, as well as the left and the right are succinctly outlined. Timely in its analysis of election tabulations, the 2000 debacle is remembered in its sidebar "What a Chad, Chad Story." The breezy tone of the writing and the ease with which a complicated process is made understandable makes this very accessible to kids and a perfect choice for teachers to supplement units on the democratic system. Who knows, it might inspire some kids to run for office someday. 2003, Kids Can Press, $16.95, Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature) Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 1-55337-086-4 ISBN: 1-55337-087-2 Campaign Politics: What's fair? What's foul? Kathiann M. Kowalski    The answers to the timely questions of the book title are presented in a balanced, objective way, using a conversational but informative style. Eight chapters cover information and issues relating to nominating candidates, how political parties are formed, campaign practices, polls, funding and possible reforms. The book includes the 2000 presidential election (although not its outcome), and Sen. John McCain's proposed campaign finance reforms. The author manages to explain complex ideas (like "soft money") in a straightforward and lively way. Most chapters and sections end with informal questions designed to encourage the reader to interact with the text and form personal opinions. A bibliography, index, glossary, resources list, and many black-and-white and color photos and drawings are included. 2000, Lerner, $26.60. Ages 11 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. Best Books: Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-8225-2630-1 Duck for President Doreen Cronin Illustrated by Betsy Lewin    The animals on Farmer Brown's farm are tired of all the chores they are asked to do. They get tired and dirty and smelly. They decide to bring about change. An election is held to oust Farmer Brown and put Duck in charge. Duck discovers that running a farm is hard work. He is still tired and dirty and smelly at the end of each day. So he decides to run for governor. He campaigns throughout the state and wins by a close margin. After discovering that running a state is hard work and no fun at all, he decides to run for president. He kisses babies, rides in parades, gives speeches only ducks can understand, and plays his saxophone on late-night television. He is elected. Running a country is even harder work than running a state. Duck leaves the vice president in charge and goes back to the farm. Lewin's colorful, cartoon-like illustrations capture the absurdity of the story, adding humor to the tongue-in-cheek text. A good companion book for Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack which were created by the same author/illustrator team. 2004, Simon and Schuster, $15.95, Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D (Children's Literature) Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2004; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 2004; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-689-86377-2 Election Day Patricia J. Murphy    Beginning readers will become acquainted with the election process in this easy-to-read title from the ongoing "Rookie Read-About Holidays" series. Pages in the small book (6 1/4" by 7 1/4") contain brief descriptive narration in large font on white background and face a linked colored or black-and-white photograph. Each set of images/text features varied historical periods and balanced ethnic representation. Voting history, rights, responsibilities, methods, and equality issues are briefly introduced. Opportunities for student voting in classroom and school environments are reflected in the snapshots. Vocabulary and illustrations are repeated from the book's contents in "Words to Know." An index lists words and concepts presented. Young citizens can combine the simple basic election facts of this introduction with Vote! by Eileen Christelow. 2002, Children's Press, $19.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara Troisi (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-516-22663-0 The Election of 2000 and the Administration of George W. Bush Editor, Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Associate editors, Fred L. Israel & Jonathan H. Mann    In November 2000, Americans went to the polls in what was to become one of the most controversial presidential elections in US history. By the end of Election Day both Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George Bush were within a hair's breadth of victory. Results hinged upon who carried the electoral votes of Florida. Eventually, and by the narrowest of margins, Florida was awarded to George Bush. Over the next few weeks, controversy reigned as law suits and counter suits stood in sharp contrast to the usually clear results of American elections. In the end, the United States Supreme Court became involved and stopped the recounts that were being carried out in Florida. By a 5 to 4 vote, the Supreme Court of the land effectively selected George Bush as the President of the United States. The convoluted and controversial election of 2000 is reviewed in this work. Editor Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. provides a rather detailed account of the campaigns running up to election night as well as the controversy that ensued. This review encompasses the initial chapter of the text. What follows, and makes up the lion's share of the book, are a series of historical documents inclusive of legal opinions, presidential papers, and the transcripts of key speeches. Thus, while there is good information in this work, it really is not a very in depth look at the alleged topic. While useful as a research guide, the text lacks adequate coverage of the key topic--the election of 2000. 2003, Mason Crest Publishers, $24.95, Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 1-5908-4365-7 The Kid Who Ran for President Dan Gutman    Dan Gutman gives a satirical, comedic view of politics in The Kid Who Ran for President. Judd is a sixth grader who's best friend, Lane, persuades him to run for office because he's got all it takes. ("You're tall. You've got good hair. People like you.") So begins the political career of a third party candidate and the first child to run for political office. As Judd explains to a reporter, "Grown-ups have had the last one thousand years to mess up the world. Now it's our turn." 1996, Scholastic, $15.95 and $3.50, Ages 9 to 12. Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)    Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I'm 12-years-old and I'm running for President of the YOU-nited States." At first this seems like a prank but with the help of his shrewd campaign manager, Lane Brainard, they map out their strategy. The Kid Who Ran For President is a fast-paced satire on politics. Set in the year 2000, Judson says, "Grown-ups have had a thousand years to mess up the world. Now it's our turn." It may seem frivolous at times, but it's a sure-fire way to grab kids' attention and discuss the election process. Judson's running mate is his former babysitter, Mrs. June Syers, who is "old, black, and smart." She is one-of-a-kind and he needs her. 1996, Scholastic, $15.95 and $3.50, Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature) State and Provincial Reading Lists: Iowa Children's Choice Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; Iowa Texas Bluebonnet Award, 1998-1999; Nominee; N/A; Texas ISBN: 0-590-93987-4 Landslide!: A Kid's Guide to the U.S. Elections Dan Gutman    Dan Gutman turns to nonfiction in Landslide! Every four years, he begins his introduction; the grownups of America go a little crazy. He promises to answer questions in a straightforward and simple manner, and fulfills that promise by giving over a hundred and twenty answers to questions about the presidency, government, campaigning, candidates, voting, and the election. He focuses on subjects that interest kids, like how much it costs to run, or if the candidates hate each other. He does not shy away from the truth. His answer regarding the lack of female and minority presidents, in a word--bigotry. From the basics to hard-hitting issues, he provides answers with clarity and sincerity, explains with analogies, and flavors facts with quotations and anecdotal stories from history. Often his questions and answers seem like having a dialogue with an author who is really listening. And that is what we have to remember. Kids are listening and watching and it will not be long before they are voting. If we give them good books that are clear and understandable, inspiring and intriguing, one day they will care enough to make good choices when it is their turn to vote. 2000, Simon and Schuster, $3.99, Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susie Wilde    It is that time again. That wonderful time that comes every four years whether we like it or not. Most ignore it as evident by the less than fifty-percent voter turnout each time. That's a shame because the presidential election should be one of our most important civic activities. Now is the chance to get the kids excited about elections and the process that should reap benefits for years to come. This text will answer any and all questions about the election process including the history of our election system with a few facts about the current candidates thrown in. With just this book a classroom can learn what is necessary to hold its own presidential election during. Buy it, read it, and use it. I know I will, and my students will love every minute of it. 2000, Aladdin Paperbacks, $3.99, Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Scott S. Floyd ISBN: 0-689-83591-4 Our Elections Richard Steins    This well written book provides an overview of the democratic process, campaigns and elections, presidential elections, and our two party system. The last chapter discusses significant elections in U.S. history. The text is well written and concise, and complemented by a diverse selection of color and black-and-white photos. The book contains special sections about women and voting, voting machines, and third parties. Middle grade social studies classes have an excellent resource here to aid understanding of elections. However, the dated text does not mention web sites and the Internet as sources for learning about candidates and getting involved in the voting process. This book is one in the publisher's "I Know America" series. 1994, The Millbrook Press, $20.90 and $6.95, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-5629-4446-0 Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts Syl Sobel Illustrated by Jill Wood    This book is crammed with information but still written in a way that children can understand. The book is organized to parallel the election process and includes the rules for the electoral college, the primaries, and campaigning. While there are succinct explanations and definitions of a caucus and the procedure for succession, there is also trivia, for example, the three pairs of relatives who have been president and the Chicago Tribune's announcement of Dewey's win. 2000, Barron's, $6.95, Ages 8 to 12.    Just in time for this year's presidential election, this slim paperback offers clear, concise explanations of the constitutional rules for electing a president, the role of campaigns and conventions, the order of succession if a president dies, and lots of interesting tidbits of historical information about the presidents. Did you know, for example, that the term "first lady" was first applied to Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877? The blue line drawings are adequate though not enticing; the chapter on the perennially confusing electoral college does not entirely clear up that confusion with its sidebar on candidates who won the popular vote, lost the electoral vote and therefore lost the election. The book includes a glossary, index and bibliography and would serve well as a supplement to social studies texts in upper elementary and middle school. 2000, Barron's Educational Series Inc., $6.95. Ages 9 to 15. Reviewer: Karen Leggett ISBN: 0-7641-1438-7 The Reform Party: Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan Tricia Andryszewski    The backdrop for the development of the political Reform Party is the story of Ross Perot's and Pat Buchanan's presidential campaigns. The book chronicles the Reform Party movement from 1992 to 2000. Brief biographies of Perot and Buchanan and their contributions to the party leadership are presented. A fair and accurate report of the 1992 and 1996 elections is offered. Although published in 2000, information is given about the early days of the 2000 presidential election, when Buchanan left the Republican Party to run as the Reform Party candidate. Supportive players in this third party movement are featured, such as David Duke, Jesse Ventura and NAFTA. The writing is clear and concise, with appropriate news-making quotes and excellent sidebars of excerpts from speeches and books by Perot and Buchanan. Photographs illustrate the five brief chapters. An introduction, chronology, books and web sites for further reading, index and author's note about sources are included. Middle school students interested in our current political scene will find useful reading here. 2000, The Millbrook Press, $19.95, Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Jacki Vawter, Ph.D. ISBN: 0-7613-1906-9 So You Want to be President Judith St. George Illustrated by David Small Narrated by Stockard Channing Music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds    Select memorizing dates and major accomplishments is all you do. This video looks at the presidents and all of the unusual facts and stories about them. What name is the most common one of our presidents? Did many of them have pets? Who was the youngest? Who was the oldest? How many lived in log cabins? This video is full of fun facts about the presidents that are bound to make history come alive for children. The video also has an epilogue that includes George W. Bush and the protracted election that gave him the White House. David Small's cartoony illustrations add just the right tough to this collection of presidential anecdotes. Weston Woods includes a teacher's guide on the inside cover of the videocassette, complete with extension activities. A Caldecott Medal Book and ALA Notable Book. Animated, 27 minutes. Closed-Captioned. 2002, Philomel/Weston Woods/Scholastic, $60.00, Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D (Children's Literature) Awards, Honors, Prizes: Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video Winner 2003 United States ISBN: 0-78820-977-9 The Voice of the People Betsy C. Maestro Illustrated by Giulio Maestro    Let's face it, politics is complicated. Thankfully, there are books that can make the subject accessible to children. Betsy and Giulio Maestro are a children's book team that have tackled many complex subjects. In The Voice of the People, Betsy's writing is simple, precise and understandable as she explains complicated subjects like the Electoral College, the process of enacting laws, and the dynamics of a presidential election. Giulio's colorful illustrations give even more clarity to Betsy's words. 1996, Lothrop, $16.00 and $15.93, Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)    American democracy depends on the participation of its citizens. To be effective in the future, tomorrow's voters need to understand the process. Betsy Maestro provides a simplified overview of American history and government and a good look at the steps taken to elect a president. With 1996 an election year, the Maestro's have created a most timely book about the American political process--one that should pave the way for readers interested in learning more. 1996, Lothrop, $16.00 and $15.93, Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)    Appropriately timed for this election year, Betsy and Giulio Maestro have provided the ideal young person's primer on how our democratic system evolved and how the voice of the people becomes heard. Ms. Maestro explains that many types of government preceded our own, then concisely and clearly delineates our Constitution's origins, describes the roles of the branches of government and the need for cooperation among them. She reviews the painful history of segregation and the 1954 ruling that declared it unconstitutional. After a description of political parties, campaigns, conventions, and presidential elections--focusing on 1992's state-by-state results--she concludes with several pages of related information, including a summary of Constitutional Amendments and a list of our presidents with their dates of office. Mr. Maestro's art aptly illustrates all. 1996, Lothrop, $16.00, Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Dr. Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature) Best Books: American Booksellers Pick of the Lists, Spring, 1996; American Booksellers Association; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 1996 Social Studies - K-6 United States ISBN: 0-688-10678-1 ISBN: 0-688-10679-X ISBN: 0-688-16157-X Vote! Eileen Christelow    The election process is brought to life in this fictional account of a town's selection of a mayor. Beginning with the grassroots campaigning and continuing through the election, complete with a recount, this energetic account aptly illustrates the procedures, the legalities, and the emotions of selecting a local leader. Telling the story from the perspective of the daughter of one of the candidates personalizes the story for young readers. Angela is involved every step of the way. She even studies the history of voting, noting when African-Americans and women were included through Constitutional amendments. When Angela's mom wins, everyone rejoices. Presented in Christelow's signature comic book style, all readers will gain an understanding of this important piece of our democratic form of government. Young children will especially enjoy the campaigning and side remarks of Angela's two dogs as they participate along with the rest of the family. Useful reference aids include a glossary, a "Timeline of Voting Rights," some information about political parties, and a list of internet sources. 2003, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00, Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D (Children's Literature)    Chris Smith has decided to be a candidate in the race for the mayor's office and we are going to watch the process. Will she be able to beat Bill Brown to become the towns' next mayor and how will she do it? Luckily we have Chris' wonderful dogs, Elmer and Sparky, to help us understand how elections work. Actually, remarkably, Elmer seems to understand all about voting, the constitution, political parties, candidates, polling, campaigns, and election days. Each of these topics is discussed and described in a lively and amusing way through both text and annotated comic-strip-style illustrations. Elmer and Sparky are always there with their decidedly strong characters and opinions, always full of things to say about something, anything. Colorful, entertaining, and at the same time, highly informative, this is an excellent book to help children understand a critical part of our political process. The book also describes the history of how the process came into being as it exists today, and it explains why it is important to vote. At the back of the book the reader will find a glossary, a "Timeline of Voting Rights," a page describing "More about Political Parties" and a resources list. 2003, Clarion Books, $16.00, Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature)    As our country gears up for next year's presidential election, kids are sure to have lots of questions. In Vote!, author/illustrator Eileen Christelow takes kids through the whole, intriguing process. Text, cartoon illustrations, dialogue balloons and two friendly dogs involve young readers in a town's mayoral election. Kids learn about the history and process of voting in the United States and about the nitty gritty of local politics, including campaigning, fundraising and recounting ballots when an election is close. The issues are also kid friendly: one candidate promises better schools; the other hopes to build a new stadium. And there's an engaging plot twist when one of the canines speaks up during the debate. Will the town go to the dogs? 2003, Clarion, $16.00, Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature) Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Booklist Book Review Stars, 2003; United States Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States Notable Children's Books, 2004; American Library Association-ALSC; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Great Lakes Great Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 2-3; Michigan Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Rhode Island ISBN: 0-618-24754-8 Voting Sarah De Capua    Voting is a critically important part of the democratic process. This is the way we choose our leaders. The Greeks were among the first to vote as long as 2,500 years ago. The Romans, about 500 years later, introduced the secret ballot and the idea of privacy in the voting process. It was many years before the general public had a chance to govern themselves again. In the late 1700's, revolutions in the Western world, including our American Revolutionary War, re-established democracies and voting for government leaders. It was not always so, but now any American-born or naturalized citizen can vote. The presidential election of 2000 created a crisis in the electoral process, which has stimulated interest in an easier more accurate way of placing and counting votes. This informative book is easy to read with large type and lots of photographs. It is part of the "True Book" series on civics. 2002, Children's Press, $6.95, Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-516-22330-5 Voting and Elections Patricia J. Murphy    The opening page of this small book features a dramatic photo of Christine Whitman, the first female governor of New Jersey. The importance and impact of having the right to vote and actual going to the polls to vote are stressed repeatedly and directly. "If the people of a town vote 'yes,' the town will build a new road. If the people vote 'no,' the town will not build the new road." Each page features a photo and one or two paragraphs addressing such questions as how people vote, what are political parties, who can vote, and what voting means to people. Young readers are reminded to register to vote as soon as they turn eighteen. "People who vote help shape the world around them." The book presents the facts about elections and voting very clearly and simply, but opens the door to discussions about the history of voting rights among certain populations in America, reasons people do or don't vote, and the lack of voting rights in other countries. Other books in the Compass Point "Let's See" series cover the different branches of government as well as monuments and national parks. The series has both a social studies and a reading education adviser. Each title includes a three or four word glossary, an index, additional resources and a "did you know" section of fun facts. Some of the books touch on subjects that are of natural interest to children--the White House, the flag and the Statue of Liberty--others provide simple explanations of the most important elements of American democracy such as voting and elections, the Presidency, and Congress. The series would be an excellent addition to a classroom or school library for browsing, first-time research, or use by older readers who need a simplified rendition of major American concepts and symbols. 2002, Compass Point Books, $18.60, Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7565-0144-X Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections Written and illustrated by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes    Woodrow runs for elective office in Woodrow for President, another entertaining and educational collaboration by Peter and Cheryl Barnes, especially appropriate as the country gears up for the presidential elections in 2000. Young readers learn about political parties, national conventions, and voting as they follow this candidate, a model of integrity, on the campaign trail and applaud as he is sworn in as the nation's Big Cheese on Inauguration Day. 1999, VSP, $15.95, Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Quattlbaum (Children's Literature)    This picture book, by a husband and wife writing/illustrating team that specializes in educational books for children, traces the ascent of one extraordinary mouse from humble beginnings to become the nation's "Big Cheese". Many such puns are found in both the illustrations and the rhyming text of this story, subtitled "A Tail of Voting, Campaigns and Elections." Young readers learn how hard-working Woodrow G. Washingtail rose through the ranks of elected office, starting first as civic-minded business mouse and ending up as governor of Moussouri--now a candidate for president of the United Mice of America! The story gives an overview of campaigns, debates, political parties, primaries, the election process and the importance of civic participation. Emphasis is given on registering to vote at age eighteen. A reproducible "Contract to Vote" between America's children and adults is included at the back of the book. 1999, VSP Books, $15.95, Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature) Best Books: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States ISBN: 1-893622-01-0 You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? Jean Fritz Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan    As a little girl of the early 1800s, Elizabeth Cady tried hard to please her father, Judge Cady, after he lamented, "I wish you were a boy," by working to become as brave and as smart as her elder brother had been. With her usual lively, conversational text, including reconstructed dialogue and quotes from primary sources, Fritz introduces young readers to a remarkable woman who combined mothering a large family with a lifelong struggle for women's rights. One of the main speakers and planners of the first Women's Rights Convention, in Seneca Falls, in 1848, Elizabeth promoted the then radical goal of equal rights for women, including the right to vote. Her friendships and work with other famous reformers of the day, such as Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott, is another appealing part of this award-winning biography. An index, bibliography, source notes and amusing, black and white drawings are included. 1999 (orig. 1995), Putnam Penguin, $5.99, Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature) Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars, 1995; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1995; American Library Association-Booklist; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 1995; Cahners; United States Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 1995; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-399-22786-5 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 10/16/04