Celebrate Presidents' Day
Presidents' Day is a United States Federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. In 2010, Presidents' Day is on Monday February 15th. Originally a holiday celebrating George Washington, Presidents' Day is now viewed an all-encompassing celebration of U.S. presidents'--even though this is not technically accurate. For instance, the official title in Alabama is "Washington and Jefferson Day," even though Jefferson was born in April. Massachusetts officially celebrates all presidents that have come from their state (John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge, and John F. Kennedy). And like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Presidents' Day weekend offers an opportunity to honor U.S. veterans.
For more information please visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidents_Day_(United_States)
http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/pres/Pres_Trivia.pdf
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
Barack Obama: Out of Many, One
Shana Corey
Illustrated by James Bernardin
Barack Obama's is an extraordinary life, and this biography is told in a simple, personal way so that youngsters may understand his heritage, background, experience, and more. At just under fifty pages, this book from the "Step into Reading" series is a Step 3, "Reading on Your Own" Level. Barack Obama's story as the forty-fourth President of the United States is one of diversity, unexpected changes, and numerous challenges met with solid encouragement from family about life's lessons. In particular, President Obama's mother and grandparents were stable forces that helped shape him. He was born in Hawaii in 1961, moved to Indonesia, returned to Hawaii at age ten, went to college in the northeast and began his career in Chicago. As a young boy, his father was largely absent, although one important occasion stands out in the accounting of this president's development. One winter, at about age ten, his father came to visit in Hawaii and gave his son a basketball. For a long time, Barack did not feel that he fit in where he lived, but he diligently practiced basketball. He tried to find purpose and meaning while he studied hard in school. Obama's mother believed education was important and that everyone was the same inside. She taught him values of fairness, honesty, and hard work. Playing basketball in high school allowed Barack to internalize one of life's key principles. It was the beginning of Barak Obama's focus on helping others, experiencing a sense of teamwork and pursuing common goals. After college graduation, he first went to Chicago to register new voters, set up after-school programs for children, and help others find jobs. Even there, his mother and grandparents still deeply influenced him. "I discovered how my . . . story fit into the larger American story." Later, he attended law school and met and married his wife Michelle, also a lawyer. The couple had two daughters named Malia and Sasha. When he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, one of his speeches presented an emerging philosophy: "There is not a black America and a white America and a Latino America and an Asian America--there's the United States of America!" Thus, as the first African American president, Obama made history. By an overwhelming majority, people worked together, sought change for the country, and voted for him. "Each of us is free to seek our own dreams, but we must also serve a common purpose," Obama has said. The president's achievement would indeed become America's story as well. This story about the United States of America has once again shown that "all things are possible!" 2009, Random House, Ages 5 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Treadway, M.Ed (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-86339-4
ISBN: 978-0-375-96339-1
Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington
Anne Rockwell
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Shy" is hardly a presidential-seeming adjective. That seems to be part of Anne Rockwell's point, that before he was president, George Washington was a boy. As a boy, he was shy. He was also short-tempered. But through growth, studiousness, the development of maturity, and attention to responsibility, George Washington was able to achieve a role beyond what we expect from children who seem shy. Rockwell begins her biography of the tall boy during his youth. She covers George's positive relationship with his half-brother Lawrence and his study of ancient Roman heroes. She addresses the brothers' travels to Barbados, Lawrence's early death, and George's entry into military service. She also presents his family life, military leadership, and acceptance of the presidency. A full-page author's note at the end explains Rockwell's selection of Washington as a subject for her book and details his feelings about slavery. This is a compelling biography that presents a unique perspective on an important historical figure. Matt Phelan's pencil and gouache illustrations show George to be a serious, thoughtful, intense figure, but appropriately leave the details of war to the imagination. A selected bibliography of books and websites can be found on the publication data page. This title is highly recommended for classrooms, as well as school and public libraries. 2009, Harcourt, Ages 6 to 10, $17.00. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780152165833
ISBN: 0152165835
Celebrating President Barack Obama in Pictures
Jane Katirgis
Due to the historic nature of our current president, many children are very curious about him. The pictures and information in this book will address some of that curiosity. While many pictures are included of the President's early years as senator and his presidential campaign, readers will be more interested in the few pages that show pictures of the President as a child. Young readers will be given a small look at his childhood as the book mentions his beings in Indonesia and Hawaii. The pictures during the President's first year are well chosen, as they show a vibrant and happy man, despite the difficult times the country has been having. Children will appreciate seeing a man that is at ease in his job and with his family. Public and school libraries will be interested in this eye-candy type book for their readers. 2010, Enslow Publishers, Ages 6 to 12, $22.60. Reviewer: Tiffany Torbeck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3651-2
ISBN: 0-7660-3651-0
Celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama in Pictures
Jane Katirgis
Michelle Obama captured the country's attention during the campaign, and now young readers are sure to have questions about her as well. Teachers and librarians will be happy to see Mrs. Obama on the first page reading Olivia. Many of the pictures included show the mother and volunteer that the country already knows, but there are a few pictures that show Mrs. Obama as a child in Chicago, which many young readers will enjoy. The causes close to Mrs. Obama's heart are included, like volunteer service, the organic garden that was recently started at the White House and, of course, her two children. Several pictures from the campaign trail are featured, as well as a nice picture of the Obama couple voting in Chicago. Many readers will have an interest in the life of the First Lady, so libraries would be well advised to purchase this volume. 2010, Enslow Publishers, Ages 6 to 12, $22.60. Reviewer: Tiffany Torbeck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3652-9
ISBN: 0-7660-3652-9
Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson, award-winning illustrator of books such as Henry's Freedom Box and We are the Ship, offers a tribute to our newest president, Barack Obama. To the text of speeches Obama has given (including his keynote at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 and the speech on the night of his election), Nelson has added eloquent pencil drawings of the man, the movement, and the people affected by this historic election. The book opens with a small sign that says "Vote" and ends with an illustration of a young African American holding a sign that says "Hope." This pair of signifiers well sums up what the election of our first African American president meant to millions here and abroad. The chosen text and the accompanying drawings reignite the inspiration offered by Obama and help remind us, in these dark economic times, that we can change things, both through the vote and through our own actions. Nelson has given us yet another gift of his art, honoring the American people as well as our president. This is a worthy addition to any collection, library or personal. 2009, Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 up, $12.99. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781416989554
ISBN: 1416989552
Chasing Lincoln's Killer
James L. Swanson
Fine storytelling and compelling writing take the reader through the twelve-day search for Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Swanson sets the stage (no pun intended) by presenting a concise description of the causes and effects of the Civil War. He then begins with Lincoln's second inaugural, recording that Booth was in the audience that day and subsequently remarked to a friend in New York City, "What an excellent chance I had, if I wished, to kill the president on Inauguration Day! I was on the stand, as close to him nearly as I am to you." Readers will ascertain not only how but why Booth changed his mind from kidnapping to killing Lincoln. The plot to kill the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary of State sent chills down the spine of this reader. There is not much background on the co-conspirators, but Swanson presents some fine details about how the events played out. The photos, maps, and reward posters help the reader gain a sense of the mood of the people of the United States at that time. The author comments on the continuing fascination with John Wilkes Booth. While there are a number of books about him, this one deserves a wide readership. 2009, Scholastic Press, Ages 10 to 14, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780439903547
ISBN: 0439903548
First Kids
Noah McCullough
The author is a fourteen-year-old boy who states that he will be president in 2032. Noah has been interested in American history and the political process since he was in kindergarten. The content includes the experiences of the President's children living in the White House. Not all presidents and their families lived in the White House. George and Martha Washington never lived there. John and Abigail Adams and their children were the first to live in the White House. For each presidential family there is a list of "Fast Facts." It covers what they liked, disliked, what they did, doll collections they had, and the tragedies that befell them. One of the "First Kids" convinced a friend to hoist her up so she could touch the chandelier in the State Dining Room. When she grabbed it he left her hanging there and screaming. There is also information on "First Kids" who married in the White House, those that worked for their dad in the White House, their birthplaces, and facts about the White House and the inauguration. It is a great deal of trivial information but it lets us know that the presidents and their families have normal occurrences that happen in their lives just as we do. 2009, Scholastic, Ages 11 to 14, $7.00. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-1738-8
ISBN: 0-545-17538-0
First Pooch: The Obamas Pick a Pet
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Amy Bates
Clearly all the time that the Obamas were debating about what dog Sasha and Malia were going to get, Weatherford was busy creating a book that would celebrate the first pet. Most of the book is taken up with looking back at other presidential pets and spinning out the history of how the new President promised his daughters a pet. Several pages look at various breeds that were considered and list "jobs" the first dog would be expected to do such as meeting the presidential helicopter and fetching the first slippers. Bates' illustrations are as lively and upbeat as the text; she manages to show many different breeds before we get to virtually the last page of the book to discover that on April 14, 2009, the President's family welcomed a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo. 2009, Marshall Cavendish Children, Ages 5 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5636-0
The Great White House Breakout
Helen Thomas and Chip Bok
We may not have a woman president yet, but in this story young Sam lives in the White House when his mother becomes president, and his dad is "First Guy." Sam and his friends Warren, the cat, and Leonard, an ex-lab rat from NASA, can't have much fun with "those guys with the phone cords in their ears" always listening to them, he tells us. They decide to break out. Their hilarious adventures not only include an exploration of the White House, but a tour of D.C. highlights like the Spy Museum, the Air and Space and Natural History museums, the Tidal Basin and the Lincoln Memorial. There they curl up on "a nice man's lap" to sleep, while headlines announce the frantic search for the missing Sam. When they wake up, Sam decides to go home. Their flight on a kite crashes, but they are rescued for a happy ending. Bok's colored drawings are comic and cartoon-y in both their design and the frenetic action that dominates most scenes. Odd signs and speech balloons add to the fun. It is a new and unusual Washington, D.C., travelogue along with an amusing romp. This is an unexpected story from the dean of the White House Press Corps. 2008, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, Ages 6 to 9, $16.99. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780803733008
ISBN: 0803733003
Hope!: A Story of Change in Obama's America
Eric Stevens
Illustrated by Nick Derington
Anton Fox makes a bad decision when he decides to spray a brick wall with red paint. After he is arrested, the judge sentences him to seventy-five hours of community service work. He is to start on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Anton's mother is very angry and tries to tell him to make the best of it. His assignment was to clean up the Mall in Washington, D. C. where the first black President was going to be sworn in. While working, Anton met a young man who was turning eighteen and was excited that he was going to be able to vote. He tried to explain what an honor it was going to be, but all Anton could think of was getting home to sleep. The day of the inauguration Anton's mother made him go and they had to walk for hours to get near the stage. After listening to Obama, Anton could identify by thinking of how his very own grandfather had been asked to leave a restaurant sixty years ago. This book is well-written, provides lots of information in a short book, and, in the back of the book, the author provides more information about Obama, information on the author himself, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts. One side of the page is written in graphic form, and the facing page is written in straight text. This is a must for all school libraries, classroom libraries, and personal libraries. This is truly an excellent book. 2009, Stone Arch Books, Ages 9 to 12, $25.32. Reviewer: Kathie Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4342-1724-0
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want To Be Your Class President
Josh Lieb
Oliver Watson is a genius. He is also one of the richest people in the world. He is also a twelve-year-old student at a middle school in Omaha, Nebraska. The other kids call Oliver "Butterball" and a dork. No one, not even his parents, know that he is the greatest evil genius in the universe. Oliver has secret spies, body guards, and hide-outs throughout his town and even in the school. He conducts his business by using Lionel Sheldrake, a recovered alcoholic, as his cover. A person of Oliver's esteem and status can literally have anything they want and Oliver wants to be class president. Although he could easily arrange to have the votes fixed in his favor, Oliver wants to win the election as honestly as possible. This is due, in part, to a desire to please his father. Oliver claims to dislike his pathetic, loser dad, but in truth, he really wants to make him proud. Oliver will use his personal wealth, power, and influence to pull all kinds of bizarre and amusing stunts to get what he wants. The result is this wonderfully witty novel that even has several photographs that are hilarious. Readers will laugh out loud as odd-ball Oliver uses his evil and genius to become class president with unexpected and surprising results. 2009, Razorbill/Penguin Group, Ages 12 up, $15.99. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59514-240-5
If I Were the President
Thomas Kingsley Troupe
Illustrated by Heather Heyworth
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This series for younger readers urges them to "Dream Big!" when answering that frequently asked question. Four glamorous careers are chosen for consideration, focusing mainly on the fun parts, while leaving the more sober details for an afterword. Well, why not? Kids will enjoy romping through an exciting array of experiences, in this volume imagining themselves as President of the United States. (Adults can chuckle at this one, too, as they watch a serious but confident boy president who just happens to be skinny, long-legged, and have ears that stick out.) Enjoying every moment, the President surveys a lavish breakfast at the White House, splashes with his dog in the presidential fountain (wearing his impeccable black suit), signs bills at his Oval Office desk, and rides in Cadillac One accompanied by his towering Secret Service agents in shades. One of the best spreads shows the tuxedoed president entertaining celebrities at dinner in the White House, where they would "eat the most delicious food"--as he nonchalantly twirls spaghetti on his fork. Of course such a charming and self-possessed statesman would love his "very important job as the president of the United States." Dream big! Each colorful oversized volume includes a "How do you get to be . . ." page, a helpful glossary, and a list of several related books. 2010, Picture Window/Capstone, Ages 5 to 8, $25.32. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4048-5533-5
ISBN: 978-1-4048-5712-4
John Adams
Wil Mara
John Adams dedicated his life to winning independence for America and working on behalf of his countrymen. Along with Washington and Jefferson, he was regarded as one of the true heroes who led the country through a difficult period to eventual freedom. Among the highlights of his accomplished life are helping to draft and then signing the Declaration of Independence, serving as an American diplomat in Europe, and becoming the second president of the United States. A complete picture of John Adams from boyhood through life after the presidency is offered in this brief and outstanding biography. The time period John Adams lived in is also brought to life, with historical and cultural details provided as a context for Adams' actions. For example, the last days of the French and British attempts to control North America are explained, as is the Stamp Act, an onerous British tax on colonists that Adams vehemently protested. Other historical tidbits, such as how presidents and vice presidents were selected in the early days of the nation (the person with the most votes from the Electoral College became president and the person with the second most votes became vice president), deepen understanding and add interest. Also noted here are such personal and social characteristics as Adams' notorious boyhood stubbornness and strong morals, his sometimes painful exchanges with friends who disagreed with him politically, his long and devoted marriage to Abigail Adams, and his thrill at seeing his son become the sixth president of the United States. Well-chosen illustrations and pictures of historical events, artifacts, and portraits round out this superb biography. Includes a timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index, as well as a list of further reading suggestions. Part of the "Presidents and Their Times" series. 2009, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, $23.95. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Margaret Orto (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761428404
ISBN: 0761428402
Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship
Nikki Giovanni
Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Abraham Lincoln invited a special guest, Frederick Douglass, to the reception following his second inauguration. Both had grown up under difficult circumstances and hated slavery. They had become friends when Lincoln was a member of Congress and the Civil War loomed. Being black, Douglass faced additional pressures. He even had difficulty getting into the reception. In a double foldout Collier dramatically demonstrates the grim war's pallor over the celebration. The conversation between the friends is recreated by Giovanni. Although they see "difficult days ahead," they are not worried. The horror of the subsequent assassination of Lincoln is noted only on the "Time Line." Collier chooses paper collage to create sets of parallel scenes that arise from the lives of the two men. One pair depicts each as an adolescent on a cabin floor involved in gaining literacy. Few details are needed; just a strong light source to illuminate the figures. An imaginative choice of patterned papers creates a bed of river plants. Photographs of forests are integrated into the dramatic scenes of John Brown's struggle. The double foldout of the smoky battle scenes uses cutouts of soldiers applied to the broken landscape. Notes from both author and illustrator add to the understanding of the book. 2008, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 5 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780805082647
ISBN: 0805082646
The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary
Candace Fleming
This book--in the format of a family scrapbook--outlines and defines the life of Abraham Lincoln and, eventually, his wife, Mary. Beginning with a timeline of Lincoln's life, the text offers a combination of family pictures, newspaper articles and illustrations, and an ongoing narrative that provides the specific biographical information on Lincoln, his family and his goals as a lawyer, husband, father and, eventually, president of the United States. This is one of the most thorough yet accessible books for middle and high school readers that I have seen, although there are pages with so much text that the sheer amount of black and white on the page might be a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, the majority of the papers are broken up with pictures, cartoons and illustrations in a way that supports the text and helps contextualize the great man against the events of his personal and professional life. A wealth of additional books, websites and information about the research done for the book and where it originated adds an interesting touch to the book; it may also help student readers understand the importance of a variety of sources when one is collecting research. This book needs to be a definite addition to any school library. 2008, Schwartz and Wade Books, Ages 10 to 18, $24.99. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780375936180
ISBN: 0375936181
ISBN: 9780375836183
ISBN: 0375836187
Madam President
Lane Smith
A young girl delineates the many serious duties of a president, from giving executive orders and reviewing briefs, to negotiating treaties and attending state funerals. At the same time Smith pictures a saucy youngster's similar activities on her own level. For the "executive orders" the concern is waffles for breakfast and the funeral for a pet frog. The "capable cabinet" she chooses includes a Mr. Potato Head Secretary of Agriculture and a sock monkey Secretary of Naps. "Protected at all times," she is watched by a well-disguised Secret Service Agent. Among her privileges are vetoes, which she exercises freely. She must be diplomatic; she even has her own theme song. But at the end of the day, her "disaster area" bedroom requires a cleanup that leaves her "pooped." Smith's interpretation of the characters and events, in mixed media including collage, pushes comedy to the limit. His cartoon heroine can express emotions using economic changes in a few lines of her face or body gestures. The page with her eight ways to say "veto" is a gem. There are serious truths about presidential duties here, but loads of fun in our heroine's point of view. Do not miss the jazzy endpapers. 2008, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Book Group, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781423108467
ISBN: 1423108469
Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President
Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by David McPhail
Plourde and McPhail have created a very accessible and instructive look at the life of Margaret C. Smith, the first woman in U. S. history to have been elected to both houses of Congress. With the right hand pages devoted to quietly charming illustrations, the verso pages are devoted to a couple of paragraphs about this dedicated politician's life, from her childhood right up to her death in 1995 at the age of ninety-seven. Running across the bottoms on the pages are time lines showing key historical events that relate to the time frame of Smith's life, or pivotal events in women's history in general: "the right to vote, women working outside the home, women in Congress, Congressional record setters, Women in the U.S. Military, the Cold War, Women in U.S. politics," etc. Each stage of her life represented in the text is followed by a single sentence summing up that particular aspect of her life. For example, the first section about her early childhood ends with "What a daughter she was--one who came from humble roots." After the section describing her efforts to help provide gravestones for her brothers (Roland died at age one of pneumonia and Lawrence died at age two of dysentery.) we read "What a sister she was--a compassionate and responsible one." Facts about her taking over her husband's term in Congress (After Clyde Smith's sudden death, Margaret won a special election to finish his term.) are followed by "What a congresswoman she was--ready to serve at a moment's notice." This rubric is continued with "What a senator she was (she served twenty-four years in the Senate)--dedicated and hardworking." In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith ran for President of the U. S., the first woman to do so from a major political party (Republican). For her service to the people of America and her devotion to many Congressional projects, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989. Back matter includes a more detailed, four page biography, more historical facts, a photograph of Smith, Internet websites, a booklist, multimedia resources, and information about the Margaret Chase Smith Gallery and the Margaret Chase Smith Library. This biography is a fine addition to the many that have been done with younger readers in mind--a picture book packed with the real life of a remarkable woman. 2008, Charlesbridge, Ages 8 to 11, $16.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781580892346
ISBN: 9781580892353
ISBN: 1580892345
Mr. President: A Book of U.S. Presidents
George Sullivan
This Scholastic book is an excellent resource book about presidents of the United States. The book starts "Some Facts About" electing the president and has bolded sections that, to name a few, are "The Conventions," "The Electoral Vote," "Red and Blue States," etc. Barack Obama is included in this book so it makes it a very up-to-date addition to any library. Included facts about each president are where they were born, when they were born, political party, term of office, and when they died. The best part apart this book is that along with the basic information about each president there is a timeline of important event during their presidency, and interesting, but lesser known facts like "Which president spoke the most languages?" This book would be great as a classroom set to learn about every presidents, a great addition to the reference section to the of a school library, or will help parents when their child says I have to have a report about a president tomorrow and I have only had three weeks to complete the assignment, but I have not started the work. This book could be pulled off the shelf and used for the procrastinating student of any age. The book is listed to the age of adult because anyone could use this book to learn more about presidents and the way a president is elected. This is a book that should be added to any list of resources about the presidents. 2009, Scholastic Inc, Ages 10 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Melissa Zanot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545087124
ISBN: 0545087120
Obama: The Historic Journey
Jill Abramson
This "Young Reader's Edition" photo essay of Barack Obama and his historic trip to the White House begins with the dynamic impact, especially for African-Americans, of his election. Although definitely positive in tone, the book does not omit information about his difficult early life, his rebellious youth, or past U.S. history, for example "The Scars of Yesterday." The design of the book is superb, with images throughout the eight chapters that show and evoke a variety of myriad emotions. The photographs are magnificent but do not overpower the engaging text. Obama's life story is told through multiple mini-stories; his fast rise in politics, for example, is described by recounting that daughter Malia asked, when he was elected senator in 2004, if he would try to be president. "Then a follow-up question so sensible it could only come from a first-grader, ‘Shouldn't you be vice president first?' (p. 13)." Quality white paper, clear serif font, multiple photographs on every page, and colored red or blue boxes with Obama quotes liberally sprinkled throughout make this a book to be read and cherished. It is highly recommended for all ages. 2009, The New York Times/Callaway, Ages 9 to 12, $24.95. Reviewer: Mary Bowman-Kruhm, Ed.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-670-01208-4
Otto Runs for President
Rosemary Wells
It is election time at Barkadelphia School and whoever collects fifty paw prints can run for president. The popular dogs gather around Tiffany proclaiming she is the cutest and the smartest. The sports fans cheer for Charles, the captain of all the teams. The parents of Tiffany and Charles get involved and the school walls are soon covered with banners and posters. Tiffany's mother persuades the cheerleaders to shout out cheers, while a glee club hired by Charles' dad sings a fight song. Then the smear campaigns begin. Did Charles cheat on the science test? Did Tiffany spend class dues on hair spray? In the meantime, Otto begins asking his classmates what they really want at the school. He gathers the required number of paw prints and bakes cookies with his friend Melanie. On election day, Charles hosts a Whoppo Burger pep rally. Tiffany's mother serves a pancake breakfast. Otto passes out his cookies. When the votes are counted, Otto wins. He sets about keeping his campaign promises, such as watermelon in the cafeteria and blankets for nap time in kindergarten. The colorful dog characters dress and act like humans. They stand out on white backgrounds, bordered with various items mentioned in the story. This book could be used effectively to stimulate discussions about the election process. 2008, Scholastic, Ages 5 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545037228
545037220
Our Country's Presidents: All You Need to Know about the Presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama
Ann Bausum
This beautifully illustrated guide to the presidents of the United States goes well beyond a simple chronological listing of our forty-four presidents. After a foreword by President Barrack Obama, a two-page introductory discussion of the presidency, a two-page explanation of how to use the book, and a short segment called "The Presidency and How It Grew," the book does indeed continue with a description of George Washington and his presidency. All the presidents are discussed in chronological order, with each section opening with a full-page color photograph of the president's official portrait. Also included in each section is a fact box with a replica of the president's signature; his nickname; important dates such as his birth, death, inauguration, and marriage; his chief opponent; the length of his term in office; his vice-president; his children; the number of states added during his term; and selected landmarks. An essay about each president follows the fact box. In addition to the sections devoted to the presidents, eighteen related two-page essays are scattered through the book. These essays discuss such topics as the White House, the vice-presidents, the U.S. political parties, children in the White House, pollsters and polling, presidential security, and the role of former presidents. Though the book is written so that middle grade children can read and understand it, it would serve as an excellent resource for students of any age. The text is followed by a chart of presidential election results, an index, a resource guide, and a bibliography. 2009, National Geographic Society, Ages 9 to 12, $24.95. Reviewer: Judy DaPolito (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781426303753
ISBN: 1426303750
Our White House: Looking In, Looking out
Created by 108 renowned authors and illustrators and The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance; with an introduction by David McCullough
The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance is the sponsor of this anthology of brief essays and illustrations on the history of the White House created by 108 of the alliance's members. There are some big names attached: David McCullough offers the introduction; David Macaulay has designed the cover art; M. T. Anderson, Natalie Babbitt, Susan Cooper, Steven Kellogg, Gregory Maguire, Katherine Paterson, Richard Peck and Peter Sis, among many others, contribute to this chronological history of the building, which along the way also tells the broader history of the United States. It is an impressive package if only judged by its weight, which is more than a handful! Fortunately, the book is also thoughtfully and richly designed. The heavy, glossy paper and excellent color reproduction do justice to the many illustration styles, and much of the content--from the memoir of Paul Jennings, a former slave, to Katherine Paterson's essay on the history of the press corps, to Steven Kellogg's humorous thoughts and illustrated timeline of presidential pets--is pertinent, readable and a nice mix of information and fun. The end result is a handsome volume that families can and will dip into over and over again. 2008, Candlewick Press, Ages 8 up, $29.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763620677
ISBN: 076362067X
President's Day
Anne Rockwell
Illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
The impressive collaboration of the Rockwell team, once again delivers a book perfect for use in the primary grades. This time the subject is U.S. presidents, specifically Washington and Lincoln whose birthdays are celebrated in February. The narrator is a young girl who has the same birthday as Washington, February 22, thus the reason she is chosen to portray him in the class assembly program. Having learned that adults vote for a new president every four years, and about the President's Day holiday, the class (cleverly guided by their teacher) decides to use Mount Rushmore's carvings to serve as the base of their presentation. The papier-mâché mountainside "speaks" during the performance (the four children who are carrying the gigantic piece), introducing other students in the guise of each of the four presidents featured in the stonework. The text is readily accessible to early readers and has enough touches of humor to keep things moving along at a lively pace. The colorful, direct illustrations show a multitude of ethnicities and are excellent adjuncts to the text. The illustrations also serve as a guide for teachers and students to do a similar production themselves, since they are complete with costume and prop ideas that could actually be reproduced in most schools--simple but effective. I particularly loved the blocks of ice (boxes wrapped in white paper and labeled "ice.") that "floated" in the Delaware River as George and his men rowed their cardboard boat. Historical facts are seamlessly woven into the procession of presidents, and the depiction of the map of the USA "torn" by the Civil War is a strong image for all. "‘United' means ‘many stick together like one.'" After the presentation, the class has its own election and we learn that the narrator herself was elected by popular vote. The last double spread is devoted to portraits of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt with dates of service as president, political party, birthplace, and birth and death dates. This is a first choice for school and personal collections; parents and educators will find this an excellent resource and students will enjoy it while painlessly learning a great deal. 2008, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 9, $16.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780060501945
ISBN: 0060501944
ISBN: 9780060501952
ISBN: 0060501952
Presidents and their Times: John F. Kennedy
Wil Mara
This biography is a terrific account of the life of John F. Kennedy written for young adult readers. Beginning with his early life in Boston, Mara presents Kennedy as a struggling student who does not find his calling until after a trip to England, where his father is ambassador. There in the early days leading up to World War II, Kennedy sees the current events first hand. His study in international affairs leads to his interest in government and political philosophy and a run for political office. Kennedy's campaign for a Congressional seat requires advertising and personal appearances to help constituents put a face to the newcomer's name, and it ultimately proves successful, giving him his first elected office. Kennedy quickly develops a reputation as someone who does not vote along party lines and his interests make him restless for a higher office. Kennedy's ambitions for the Massachusetts senate seat held by Henry Cabot Lodge is supported by brother, Robert, and by less than 71,000 out of 2.35 million votes cast, Kennedy becomes U.S. Senator. Nine years later, his youth plays well on televised debates and the then forty-three year old Kennedy becomes President. The biography is rich in detail and explanations, making this an outstanding resource for middle and high school libraries. From early life through his presidency and assassination, the historical significance of the thirty-fifth president is well developed and supported in this book. "Timeline," "Notes," "Glossary," and "Bibliography" model the essentials of a well-written, researched biography. 2010, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 10 to 14, $23.95. Reviewer: Janis Flint-Ferguson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-3628-7
Presidents and their Times: Herbert Hoover
David C. King
In this title of the "Presidents and Their Times" series, young adult readers are introduced to the thirty-third president. Raised in a Quaker household until the death of his parents, Hoover went on to amass his monetary fortune in engineering and then afterward, never accepted a salary for his work in public office, including the presidency. As an engineer, he traveled to China where he witnessed how the corruption and indifference of political officials lead to abuse and poverty for the workers. He and his wife Lou survived the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. By 1914, the Hoovers were in London as World War I began. While in Europe, Hoover was asked to lead a Commission to provide relief for those in Belgium where the occupying German troops refused to provide food for civilians. When President Wilson declared war in 1917, he asked Hoover to head the food organization in the U.S. A man who had worked for the people, Herbert Hoover was elected to the presidential office just as the stock market was about to send the country into the Great Depression. This biography is filled with the interesting details and facts of the life and legacy of President Hoover. The "Timeline," "Notes," "Glossary," "Index," and "Resource List" provide a model of well documented research for readers and makes this an outstanding resource to have in middle and high school libraries. 2010, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 10 to 14, $23.95. Reviewer: Janis Flint-Ferguson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-3626-3
To view Presidents Day book reviews from previous years, click on the following links:
2008 feature
Added 1/25/10
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