Joey: The Story of Joe Biden
What’s inside...
A picture book biography of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, written by his wife, Jill Biden. The story follows Joe's childhood, his early political career, and his journey to the White House. It highlights his commitment to public service, his love for his family, and his determination to make a difference in the world. Joey is the first ever picture book about the young life of Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States, and includes never before told family stories about the president-elect and former vice president’s childhood—written by Jill Biden, his spouse. Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was elected one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story.
Age
5-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Valerie Biden
Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Finnegan Biden
Discussion points
What challenges did Joe Biden face in his childhood and how did he overcome them?
How can perseverance and kindness help us achieve our goals, as shown in Joey's story?
Joey had a stutter as a child. How do you think that made him feel, and how did he handle situations where he needed to speak?
Why do you think education was important to Joey, and how did it help shape his future?
Can you think of a time you overcame a difficulty like Joey did? What did you learn from that experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Joey’s challenges and achievements to foster empathy and understanding.
Draw parallels between Joey's life and your child’s experiences to make the story more relatable and inspiring.
Discuss the importance of perseverance shown in the book, and ask your child about a goal they want to achieve and how they plan on reaching it.
Use Joey's story to discuss the value of kindness and how small acts of kindness can impact others.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity, such as drawing a picture of their favorite scene or writing a letter to Joey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays Joe Biden overcoming personal and professional challenges, including dealing with stuttering and family loss.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their difficulties, whether it's struggling with a subject at school or coping with personal issues.
Example Lesson: Importance of public service
Explanation: Joe Biden's career is depicted as being dedicated to public service, showing his efforts to make positive changes in his community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about how they can contribute to their community, perhaps by participating in local events or helping out neighbors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring for others
Explanation: The story highlights Joe Biden's empathetic nature and how he connects with people on a personal level.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by being considerate and understanding towards their friends and family members' feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Setting goals and working diligently
Explanation: Joe Biden's journey to the presidency demonstrates the importance of setting clear goals and working hard to achieve them.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to set their own goals, such as improving in a sport or learning a new skill, and understand the value of dedication and hard work.