Product Description

“This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself....The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion....The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want this kid-friendly title.”—School Library Journal

“Children will come away with a better understanding of the complex election-process, and, just maybe, an enduring respect for it.” —Booklist

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #198817 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 24 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780807535448
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 1–3—This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself. The fact that one must be 35 years of age is only mentioned in the note. The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion. However, the multiple narrators can be confusing. One must rely on the illustrations to know which child is speaking, and sometimes it is not apparent at first glance. The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want to consider this kid-friendly title.—Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX
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About the Author
Catherine Stier is an Albert Whitman author.

Lynne Avril is an Albert Whitman illustrator.

Customer Reviews

A great primer for children about our country's election process
Yes, we have been checking out a lot of books about elections and voting since we are right in the middle of a presidential election year, and I have alot of opinions about the quality of books that are out there for children. I really liked "Grace for President" (I reviewed that one as well). I felt that Doreen Cronin's book, "Duck for President" was written more to poke fun at the process than explain it to kids so that they can understand how things are really supposed to work. But this book, I LOVE!

This book takes a very complex subject about our election process (which itself is confusing, even to adults) in the United States and breaks it down in to easily understood concepts that run from the beginning stages of announcing your candidacy through actually winning the election and being sworn in to office. Kids learn about the two party system (yes, the Libertarians are left out), the electoral college, primaries, campaigning, and campaign promises. I loved that the author chose not to dumb down the information, but instead used words that kids understand to explain how elections work. It is an excellent factual book, and the story is engaging enough for children that it will keep their attention while they learn about serious, important subject matter. It is an excellent primer that should be a requirement to be used by teachers who are doing an introduction to our country's election system. Maybe the author could send a copy to Hilary Clinton so that she too, can underand it doesn't matter what the poular vote says, it is the electoral college that counts! Just kidding to all you Hilary fans out there--no need to comment! FIVE BIG STARS to Catherine Stier for tackling a complex, complicated subject and making it enjoyable for children to learn.

It was awesome
If I Ran For President was awesome, my 8 year old enjoyed this book. He read it in one day he could not put this book down. It explained the rules of the presidential campaign to the fullest,and each illustration gave wonderful understanding. Thank you Catherine Stier and Lynne Avril

Great for primary students!
This book was very helpful in teaching first graders about the election process. It explains so much in a breif and entertaining way that holds the attention of our young listeners. I liked the way it explained the election and voting process using accurate vocabulary without being overly wordy or boring. This book was a great find during an election year!