So You Want to Be President?: The Revised and Updated Edition
#1 in So You Want to Be Series
What’s inside...
This new version of the Caldecott-winning classic by illustrator David Small and author Judith St. George is updated with current facts and new illustrations to include our forty-second president, George W. Bush. There are now three Georges in the catalog of presidential names, a Bush alongside the presidential family tree, and a new face on the endpaper portraiture. Hilariously illustrated by Small, this celebration by St. George shows us the foibles, quirks and humanity of forty-two men who have risen to one of the most powerful positions in the world. Perfect for this election year--and every year!
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good president and why?
Which president's story did you find the most interesting and what lesson did you learn from it?
If you were president, what would be the first thing you would want to change or improve in the country?
How do you think the role of the president impacts our daily lives?
What did this book teach you about leadership and responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about leadership qualities by relating them to their everyday experiences. Ask them to think about leaders in their own life, like teachers or coaches, and compare those roles to what they learned about the presidents. Facilitate a discussion that connects historical decisions made by presidents to current events. This helps children understand the relevance and impact of presidential actions. Highlight the diversity of backgrounds and paths to presidency portrayed in the book to inspire your child to see leadership potential in themselves and others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership Qualities
Explanation: The book highlights various presidents' qualities, showing how leadership can take many forms.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of honesty, courage, and determination, applying these principles in their interactions at school or in teams.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Acceptance
Explanation: The book emphasizes that presidents come from various backgrounds, educating children on diversity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect differences among their peers and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility of Decision-Making
Explanation: It discusses the weight of the decisions presidents face, demonstrating the impacts of choices.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of considering the consequences of their actions in daily decisions.
Example Lesson: History and Civics Knowledge
Explanation: Through stories of past presidents, children gain insights into U.S. history and government functioning.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can enhance their academic performance in history and social studies, and increase civic engagement.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: The book depicts how many presidents overcame personal and professional obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn resilience and perseverance when facing their own challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal life.