Children's Books for Parents and Teachers » Presidents

A. Lincoln and Me

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:17:28 +0000

Skinny as a bean pole and born on February 12, a young boy points out the similarities between himself and Abraham Lincoln. Ted Lewin’s extraordinary black-and-white drawings of Lincoln contrast nicely with the colorful paintings of this boy and his world. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Abe Lincoln Remembers

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:41:10 +0000

From his humble beginnings in a small log cabin, young Abe Lincoln knew “that being tall is not enough to make your way in this world.” He worked hard on a flatboat, in a general store, and then studying to become a lawyer, eventually making his way into politics. Along the way he married and had three boisterous sons: “They were like balls bounding down a road, and people said they had no manners or discipline. I thought happiness more important than manners, though I didn’t like it when Tad drove his cart and goats down the White House hall.” Deeply relieved when the Civil War is over, Abe Lincoln is finally ready to be happy on the fateful night that he sets out to Ford’s Theater to see a play with his wife.

The focus of this simple picture book is not on Lincoln’s death–the book concludes before Abe and Mary even leave the White House–but rather on the admirable life he led. Although many are well acquainted with the legendary story of young Abe’s rough upbringing in Kentucky and his unquenchable thirst for learning, Ann Turner’s fictionalized biography, told in a fresh and immediate first-person point of view, adds a sweet note of poignancy and humanity to one of America’s greatest heroes. With his historically accurate paintings, award-winning illustrator Wendell Minor captures the expressions and experiences of a man who, at the conclusion of the war, sees “how sorrow has dug lines in my cheeks.” –Emilie Coulter

Barack

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:10:21 +0000

This is a journey that began in many places. It began in Kansas, home of Barack’s mother. It began in Africa, home of Barack’s father. It began in Hawaii one moonlit night, the night that Barack was born. Sometimes it was a lonely journey. Sometimes it was an enchanted journey. But throughout this most unusual ride, this boy often wondered: Who am I? Where do I belong?

Jonah Winter and AG Ford re-create the extraordinary story behind the rise of the inspirational icon Barack Obama in this stunning picture book.

Barack Obama

admin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:06:44 +0000

Barack Obama had a childhood full of adventure. He grew up to be a senator and run for U.S. president. This inspiring biography tells the exciting life story of this African-American hero. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Barack Obama: An American Story

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:59:15 +0000

Of mixed race and cultures, Barack Obama struggled for years with his identity and place in society. Having found his niche in public service, he has made history as the fifth African American U.S. senator ever to be elected. Now “the skinny kid” continues his political journey and strives to become the nation’s first black [...] -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Barack Obama: Our 44th President

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:04:02 +0000

President Barack Obama’s early involvement with politics was inspired by his mother’s interest in the controversial social issues of her times — a passion that she passed on to her son. As the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review, the first African American presidential nominee of a major political party, and eventually the first African American president of the United States, Barack Obama has consistently shattered barriers — barriers that some people thought could never be overcome.

However, life has not always been easy for President Obama. Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, Barack grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia, where he faced discrimination and struggles with his own racial identity. Despite these obstacles, Barack persevered and had a successful political career before his historic win in the 2008 presidential election, with his daughters and wife, Michelle, standing firmly by his side. His election has energized a nation, and President Obama will continue to lead the charge for change over the next four years.

This is the children’s biography about the forty-fourth president of the United States. Containing up-to-the-minute information, including President Obama’s November victory, this is essential reading for every young student of American history.

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

admin — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:16:05 +0000

Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn’t quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.

This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.

George Washington’s Cows

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:16:14 +0000

Cows wear dresses, pigs wear wigs, and sheep are scholars on George Washington’s farm. Humorous rhymes, with pictures to match, explain why Washington left his farm to go into politics. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

If I Were President

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:15:30 +0000

Six fictional children talk about what they would do if they were president of the United States. “If I were president,” says one child, “the people would be my boss.” With simple text in a picture book format, Stier touches on the duties, responsibilities, and traditions of the office of the president. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

It Happened in the White House: Extraordinary Tales from America’s Most Famous Home

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:19:32 +0000

In a chapter book format, Karr entertainingly tells the stories of real-life residents of the White House in the following categories: “Home Improvements,” “All the Presidents’ Dogs,” “The First Kids,” “Curious, Strange, and Weird,” and “White as a Ghost.” -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:21:25 +0000

Shannon Lanier was in the first grade when he stood up in class and announced that Thomas Jefferson was his ancestor. No one believed him because he was black. In 1998, when Lanier was 19, DNA evidence proved he truly was a descendant of Jefferson’s. This is his story and his family’s story as told [...] -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Kennedy Assassinated! The World Mourns

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:23:41 +0000

Wilborn Hampton was only a cub reporter at United Press International in Dallas when he answered the phone and heard these fateful words: “Three shots fired at the motorcade!” This is his account of how reporters collected the facts for the news story about Kennedy’s assassination. Black-and-white photos and Wilborn’s voice bring to life the [...] -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Lincoln: A Photobiography

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:52:54 +0000

Today, Lincoln is considered one of the greatest leaders in American history. Yet, as Russell Freedman writes in his Newbery Medal-winning history, during the Civil War, Lincoln “was the most unpopular president the nation had ever known.” Through quotes, photographs, and excerpts from speeches, students will learn about Lincoln’s boyhood, marriage, professional life, and presidency. [...] -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought)

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:18:35 +0000

This playful look at the presidents examines their hairstyles, diets, fears, sleep patterns, and attitudes from the perspective of their families and neighbors. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Monticello

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:22:37 +0000

Readers get a close look at the planning, construction, and use of the Jefferson home. Fisher includes black-and-white paintings, photographs, and house plans. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

So You Want to Be President?

admin — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 01:58:55 +0000

Presidents have come in almost every variety. There have been generals like George Washington and actors like Ronald Reagan. They are tall and short, serious and filled with humor. David Small’s hysterical pictures will keep young readers in stitches as they learn about the surprising idiosyncrasies of our nation’s leaders. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:25:52 +0000

President Carter’s highly accessible book for teenagers helps them understand the causes and cures for conflicts. It’s helpful not only to find solutions to the large political process of peace, but to work through the daily conflicts often found in a teenager’s life. To learn more about Jimmy Carter and his projects for peace, visit [...] -- Order @ AMAZON.com

The Buck Stops Here

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:20:19 +0000

Each section of this book focuses on a presidential theme, with subtext highlighting accomplishments of individual presidents. It offers interesting facts about the presidency and a handy time line. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

The President Has Been Shot!!

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:24:37 +0000

Four U.S. presidents have been killed in office. Attempts have been made on six other presidents’ lives. Journalist Rebecca C. Jones uses newspaper accounts to research the motives of the assailants and the events leading up to each attack. -- Order @ AMAZON.com

Yes We Can: A Biography of Barack Obama

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:01:14 +0000

In third grade, Barack Obama wrote an essay titled, “I Want to Become President”—and he is, to this day, determined to show the world that, yes, he can. Born in the U.S.A., the son of an African father and an American mother, a boy who spent his childhood in Indonesia and Hawaii, Barack Obama is truly a citizen of the world. His campaign for the presidency is powered by a fierce optimism, an exuberant sense of purpose and determination, and, above all, a belief that change can happen.

Garen Thomas takes us through the life of Barack Obama, from his struggle to fit in with his classmates and concern about not knowing his biological father, through his term as Illinois senator, to his historic and momentum-building run for president of the United States.
Barack Obama is a man who uses his words to inspire us. We can have a better future. We can be whatever we want to be. Yes. We. Can.