Non-Fiction Intermediate See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House

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?

Amelia Rules: The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular

Gownley, Jimmy. (2010). Amelia rules: The tweenage guide to not being unpopular. New York: Antheneum Books For Young Readers.

Summary: Amelia McCabe and her friends Rhonda and Joan attempt to successfully navigate the social ladder at Joe McCarthy Elementary School. Unfortunately, they can’t seem to get past the bottom rung – especially when Alpha girl Brittany is there to knock them down time and time again. Still, they hatch a plan to boost their popularity (or at least to shake the unpopularity that’s plagued them for the past few years). With the help of popularity guru Dr. V, they attempt to boost their self-esteem, make themselves over, and try out for the cheerleading squad. Will it be enough? The book allows insight into the clever tweenage mind of Amelia. Her sarcastic wit shines through and a flashback to Aunt Tanner’s dreadful high school experience is told through “old-school” comics. Simply put, I loved this book, and, in my opinion, Amelia is so cool.

Read-Alike: If you liked this book, then you might also like to read other books from the series. They include: The Whole World’s Crazy, What Makes You Happy, Superheroes, When the Past is a Present, and A Very Ninja Christmas.

Discussion Questions:
1. How are Amelia’s experiences similar or different to the experiences students have at your school?
2. Explain how Amelia changes as a character throughout this book. What is most important to her at the beginning of the book? What is most important to her in the end?
3. If you were in Amelia’s shoes, how would you have handled the situation?

For cool activities, book trailers, and a link to the author’s blog, check out www.ameliarules.com