Published September 28, 2008
By Susie Wilde
As politicians and commentators argue about change and status quo in this remarkable political year, I see these same qualities reflected in recent children's books. Below are recommendations for politically interested teachers and parents who want to inspire children.
Changes
Every election turns publishers into political-book pushers. This year's contenders show two surprises. For the first time, there are books being published about the candidates before they are elected. There are several about John McCain (including one by his daughter Meghan) and at least six Barack Obama books (not including the Barack coloring books and paper dolls). As of yet, no children's book has equaled the rush-to-print adult title about Sarah Palin.
Just as surprising is the number of books about feisty female historical political figures. My favorite is Barbara Kerley's "What to Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World and Drove her Father Teddy Crazy" (Scholastic, ages 7-10).
The bouncy text and lively illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham unite to portray the enthusiasm, verve and audacity of Teddy's beloved daughter, who was "running riot" (his words) as she "ate up the world" (her words). Alice "shriveled" at the thought of becoming a proper young lady at boarding school, entertained guests with her pet snake Emily Spinach, traveled the world being outrageous and became the one problem her capable presidential father could never solve.
Classic strategy 1
"Grace for President" by Kelly DiPucchio (Hyperion, ages 7-9). One classic children's book strategy is to put child characters into election situations, providing identification for young readers. The downfall of this plan is that because the ground has been covered before, you need a new tactic. You'll find one in Kelly DiPucchio's "Grace for President." DiPucchio provides an elementary school translation for the confusing concept of the Electoral College by having two clever teachers subject vying child candidates to scrutiny by fellow students. Each student represents a state and its electoral votes. Grace inspired by the fact that a woman hasn't ever been elected takes on the smart, sporty Thomas. He runs a slicker campaign, realizing early that the electoral votes are boy-heavy. He kicks back as Grace keeps campaigning. In the final vote, Grace edges out her opponent when one student refuses to vote down gender lines, instead choosing "the best person for the job." An author's note explains the complexities of the electoralsystem.
Classic strategy 2
"Otto Runs for President" by Rosemary Wells (Scholastic, ages 5-7). When approaching a subject that is foreign, familiarity can open minds. Recognizable characters appear to help. Rosemary Wells' illustrations will be familiar to all students who read "Otto Runs for President." Barkadelphia School finds its citizenry embroiled in a difficult campaign Tiffany, the cute, smart, pink-clad poodle is idolized by female students, and the males support Charles, a bulldog and "captain of all the teams." In this political popularity contest, promises are made, slander is slung and parents get extreme. Then Otto enters the ring, wanting to listen and work with his classmates. His attitude and approach triumphs with the clear lesson for young future voters that popularity doesn't count.
Classic strategy 3
"See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House" by Susan Goodman (Bloomsbury, ages 9-12). If you're going to explain something as potentially boring to children as elections, you'd better do it with verve. Susan Goodman's "See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House" uses buoyant good humor, anecdotes and accessible tones to describe the history of the Constitution, Electoral College, media and image, the party system and more.
Something for everyone
"Goodnight Bush: An Unauthorized Parody" by Erich Origen and Gan Golan (Little Brown). Like politicians, children's books provide something for everyone. There's even a book for adults unhappy with the last eight years. Erich Origen and Gan Golan's "Goodnight Bush: An Unauthorized Parody" uses the iconic volume that has lulled toddlers to sleep for generations as the expression of the messages of security that beamed from the passing administration. The authors milk every nuance from the original book and current politics Dick Cheney sits in the rocking chair whispering "hush"; a mini Bin Laden scurries around on every page waiting to be found by page-turners; a childlike Bush, clad in a flight suit, is surrounded by broken toys like a shattered Federal Reserve piggy bank and a tower of blocks toppled by a plane. It will be offensive to some, brilliant to others, worthy of wonder to all ... just like the original.
Red, white and blue grease crayons drawing an American flag.
