So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President?

By Judith St. George

Illustrated by David Small

Published in 2000 by Philomel Books

56 pages

Watercolor illustrations
Nonfiction

800 × 960

This children's book gives insight into the lives of the U.S. Presidents up until 2000. Each president's page tells of their previous careers, personalities, and family lives. The book closes with an unidentifiable silhouette being sworn into office, allowing each child to imagine himself or herself in this position. This book allows children to see political figures as real people as opposed to untouchable individuals that they can never become. It also puts political concepts in children's terms so that they can understand the figures and processes. I might use this in social studies, especially in election years, to help children understand who a president is and what they do.