Madame President Election Picture Books for Kids

Are you following the U.S. presidential elections? I am and it’s turned into an embarrassing reality TV show. Even though I hate politics and avoid it like the plague typically, I watched all four debates and was elated after Hillary took the lead after the first one.

The third debate sparked a few controversies including my new purchase of this t-shirt. #ImWithHer

My new t-shirt from Google Ghost.

For today’s post, I wanted to highlight three new books that I received that the presidential debates and election into focus: the good, the bad, and the ugly. And while I like all three of these books, they each represent something about the presidential election that is good, bad and ugly.

Trump as Bottom Feeder by Zoe Lee. See her art portfolio at Flying On Miles.

The Good: The Possibility of Our First Female POTUS

When Penny Met Potus by Rachel Ruiz, illustrated by Melissa Manwill

POTUS: President of the United States. You’ll need to know that acronym because it sets up the entire book and also shows how we Americans are conditioned to think that this role is reserved for the male gender. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Bad: The Politics of Getting Consensus

“And I was making the point that it is hard sometimes to get the Congress to do what you want to do and you have to keep working at it. And, yes, President Lincoln was trying to convince some people, he used some arguments, convincing other people, he used other arguments. That was a great — I thought a great display of presidential leadership.” Hillary Clinton

To me, our election feels like the United States is at a similar crossroads as when President Lincoln was in office. I know that our country isn’t in the same state, but it feels like our country has never been this divided as we are now in recent times.

President Lincoln: From Log Cabin to White House by Demi

“Resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgement you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” Abraham Lincoln

Did you know that it was Abraham Lincoln who created the Thanksgiving holiday? That he was born in a one room cabin? That his mother, a seamstress who died when he was nine, was illiterate? Demi retells Abraham Lincoln’s life in stories that might be new to you too. His legacy is still relevant today, as evidenced by our recent presidential debates. Use this picture book biography to bring history to life. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Ugly: Politics is just show business for ugly people. – Jay Leno

Washington, DC History for Kids: The Making of a Capital City (with 21 Activities) by Richard Panchyk

This nonfiction chapter book combines history with activities for kids. My 10th grader’s Civics class takes a trip to Washington D.C. every year. This book would be perfect for a class field trip to our nation’s capital. The text is too dense for kids to read on there own, so teachers or chaperones should pick and choose pages and activities to fit their class and/or field trip curriculum. [nonfiction chapter book, ages 12 and up]

Other Election Picture Books That We Love

Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein, illustrated by James E. Ransome

A reminder of voter oppression in our country, and possibly going on right now. Our right to vote has been hard fought for women and those of color. Let’s exercise it today! [picture book, ages 6 and up]

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

This is our favorite election picture book. It’s hilarious and does a good job describing the process of running for president, from working your way up to campaigning on the road. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

My Teacher for President by Kay Winters, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

It turns out that being a teacher is great preparation for being president of the United States. Both teaches and students would agree that teachers believe in peace, find jobs for people, are followed around constantly, and attend lots of meetings. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

I love how both these diversity picture book were written when an African American president was aspirational, but we now live in a time where this barrier has been broken.

Grace for President by Kelly S. DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Grace decides to run for school president after learning that there has never been a female president of the United States. Let’s hope that changes soon! [picture book, ages 5 and up]

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier, illustrated by Lynne Avril

The process of the hard work to run for a political office is depicted in this delightful diversity picture book. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

 To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

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