Library Notes / November 9, 2012 / Dara L. Cain



Election Day Books for Children

How many years until you turn 18 years old? That is when you can vote on Election Day! Below are several titles that you may enjoy sharing with your youngsters about this historic day to educate them about the election process and the role of the president. Remember, children are the future voters of America.

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin is a fun and educational picture book for young children. Fed-up with his chores Duck holds an election to determine who should be in charge of the farm. In a close election Duck defeats Farmer Brown only to set out on the campaign trail once again, connecting with voters at town meetings, marching in parades, giving speeches, and making appearances on late-night television. After being elected governor Duck has his eyes set on the presidency and is surprised to learn that running a country is very hard work and life on the farm may have its advantages.

Young readers are invited to learn about the election process by following six children running for presidency in the story If I Ran for President written by Catherine Stier. From a child’s point of view discover the election process from beginning to end. Find out about campaigning, primaries, debates, party conventions, and what takes place on Election Day. Brief explanations about the voting process, the popular vote versus the electoral vote, and political parties are discussed.

Catherine Stier is also the author of Today on Election Day. In this picture book characters in the story narrate and share their perspectives about Election Day and the importance of voting. David goes with his older brother Jake to watch him vote for the first time. Find out how Jake learned about the candidates and the ballot issues in preparation to vote. Aidan accompanies his grandfather to the polling place and watches his grandfather vote on the computer which is only one of the ways Americans cast their votes. Bailey tells how she helps her aunt who is campaigning for a seat on the city council and what her job would be. To get a detailed explanation on the history of the election process dating back to Roman Times to the present day check out the book Vote by Philip Steele.

What are the responsibilities of being elected to political office? How does a person get elected? What are the challenges a person will encounter running for office? Read Getting Elected: A Look at Running for Office by Robin Nelson and Sandy Donovan to find out the answers to these questions and more. Another enlightening book that introduces students to how our government works is How Do We Elect Our Leaders by William David Thomas. This is a great choice for children ready to learn more than the basics regarding how we elect our government leaders from the president of the United States and members of Congress to state governors and local mayors. There are sidebars that include interesting information including how animals came to be symbols for the two major parties, women voting and holding office, and gerrymandering.

Don’t forget to check out these other great titles that your children are sure to enjoy. What would the country be like if a kid became President of the United States? Find out in the chapter book The Kid Who Ran For President by Dan Gutman. If your child ever thought about becoming president you are going to want to read So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George. This book includes facts about the qualifications and characteristics of U.S. Presidents along side colorful caricatures. And lastly, find out what it would be like to live at the White House in the story If The Walls Could Talk: Family Life at the White House by Jane O’Connor. Learn about each presidential family’s time and contribution during their stay at the White House.