Goodman, S.E. (2008). See how they run: Campaign dreams, election schemes, and the race to the White House. New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books.
Summary: The book features a historical (and somewhat humorous) look at the country’s electoral system. Even though the book covers fairly difficult concepts the text is written in straight-forward language the would be easy for students to understand. It is enhanced by illustrator Elwood H. Smith’s cartoons on the page. Luckily there’s a note at the beginning of the book that reads, “The information in this book is true - except for the comments made by the talking pictures. After all, stone presidents can’t talk. For that matter, neither can mice” (Goodman, 6). At the end of the book readers will find photographs and fun facts about each of the presidents. For example, students might be interested to know that President Taylor didn’t hear about his nomination for president until almost a week after it happened. The reason? He refused to pay extra postage if someone sent him a letter without enough stamps. The book also features a glossary, index and a list of resources (including web links for kids).
Read-Alike: Check out We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz.
For more information about the author, check out www.susangoodmanbooks.com. To learn more about the illustrator, log on to www.elwoodsmith.com.
Discussion Questions:
1. If you were elected president, explain three things you would want to accomplish.
2. On Page 44 you learned a lot about the way newspapers, TV stations and radio stations can help you learn about candidates running for office. What do you notice about the ads you have seen on TV? If you only used these commercials to decide you would vote for, which candidate would get your vote? Why?
3. Explain what makes a good president.
4. Of all of the fun facts in the back of the book, which one was most surprising to you? The most funny?
5. If you were elected president, what would they list as your fun fact?
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