There is a very short window from Halloween to the presidential election, but I always squeeze in a few books about elections and voting this time of year.
All our students love President Luke Pennybaker. I mean what kid wouldn't want a president who promises no homework, pets for every child, and treating kids like it's their birthday everyday? That means presents every day and ice cream and cake for breakfast. Luke decided he wants to run for president because life is just not fair. I mean, why does Dad always say no TV even after he's done all his homework and chores? So he decides to change things and run for president with his dog Lily and his running mate, and people love him and his ideas. He decides that the White House should be painted orange, and to show his support the current president fulfills his wish. Luke is very disappointed when he tries to vote for himself but realizes that he can't because he's not old enough. And Lily, being a dog, can't vote either! He manages to win the election anyway, but shortly after decides that he misses watching TV and reading books and helping his mother--things he doesn't have time to do anymore. So he bids adieu to the orange White House and leaves the job of president to none other than his Vice President. Woof!
Grace, in Grace for President, is furious when she learns that we have never have a woman elected President of the United States of America. She is so outraged, she decides that she wants to run for class president of her school. So it is Grace vs. Thomas Cobb for president, and Grace's heart sinks because Thomas is the spelling bee champ, always wins a blue ribbon at the science fair, and is soccer captain. She doesn't think becoming president will be easy. Students learn about representatives and electoral votes, and making campaign slogans and promises. The teacher assigns each student to represent a state with a certain number of electoral votes, and when Thomas calculates that the boys hold slightly more electoral votes than the girls, he relaxes and doesn't work very hard on his campaign. But Grace spends her time meeting with her "constituents," joins the safety squad, organizes a school beautification committee, and volunteers in the school cafeteria. 
On election day, it is very close and comes down to one boy named Sam, who represents the state of Wyoming. Ironically, Wyoming is called The Equality State, but will Sam choose Thomas like the other boys, or will he choose Grace who worked so hard and was clearly more dedicated to the campaign and the school?
This book is one of those picture books that is great for older readers, since it not only has a good story but teaches students about the whole election process.
Some other great election titles I've been sharing include:
Comments
Post a Comment