What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy!

What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy!

Written by: Barbara Kerley
Illustrated by: Edwin Fotheringham

"Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem. Her name was Alice. Alice Lee Roosevelt was hungry to go places, meet people, do things. Father called it running riot. Alice called it eating up the world. Whether she was entertaining important White House visitors with her pet snake or traveling the globe, Alice bucked convention and turned every new experience into an adventure! Brimming with affection and wit, this spirited biography gives readers a peek family life inside the White House. Prose and pictures spring, gambol, and two-step across the pages to celebrate a maverick American heroine."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.barbarakerley.com/TRAlice.html

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President

Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President

Written by: Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
Illustrated by: Stacy Innerst

"Laughter is not only good medicine. It can also be a political tool, human motivator, and saving grace, as the authors show in this upbeat overview of Lincoln’s life. Moving through the sixteenth president’s many challenges, from family deaths to lost elections to fighting slavery, the text emphasizes how Lincoln coped with a joke on his tongue and a smile on his lips. Many direct quotes are interwoven in a contrasting font within the spreads that delve into subjects such as his military service, when he faced “a good many bloody battles—with mosquitoes,” and marriage: “Here I am, and here is Mrs. Lincoln. And that’s the long and short of it.” Innerst’s acrylic artwork feels homey and humorous, very much in the style of his previous work with Krull, M is for Music (2003), and while not every word or picture is necessarily a hoot and a holler, they do present a positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was “a love of laughter that kept him going.”

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.lincolnbicentennial.gov/for-kids/default.aspx
http://www.berwickacademy.org/lincoln/lincoln.htm

Presidential Races: The Battle for Power in the United States

Presidential Races: The Battle for Power in the United States

Written by: Arlene Morris-Lipsman

"Using lively text, political cartoons, photographs, and campaign memorabilia, Morris-Lipsman presents more then 200 years of presidential races - from simple campaigns to stumping, polls, television ads, fundraising, conventions, and controversies. Table of Election Results, Source Notes, Selected Biography, Further Reading and Websites, Index."

Notable Children's Trade Book Review

Online Resources:
http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/gettingthevotes.html
http://www.presidentsusa.net/campaignslogans.html
http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/americavotes/

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America

Written and Illustrated by: Cheryl Harness

"How did a sickly boy transform himself into one of the country's boldest leaders? You'll get the full story—front page and behind-the-scenes—as only Cheryl Harness can tell it. Through her lively narrative and engaging artwork, readers will see Teddy riding the range in South Dakota, charging up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War, climbing the political ladder all the way to the White House, breaking up big business, building the Panama Canal, and big-game hunting in Africa. They will also experience life in America when the telephone, airplane, and automobile were all brand-new, when women, blacks, and laborers were demanding equal rights, and when the cry for expansion stretched the borders from Maine to the Philippines and from Puerto Rico to Alaska. This was an age in which Roosevelt's promise to give every American a "square deal" and to "walk softly and carry a big stick" helped build the country into a world power.

With a new adventure on almost every page, readers will find themselves "wowed" by this true story of a larger-than-life American hero, and the country and times in which he lived."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.americanpresidents.org/presidents/president.asp?PresidentNumber=25
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/theodoreroosevelt/
http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/

Farmer George Plants a Nation

Farmer George Plants a Nation

Written by: Peggy Thomas
Illustrated by: Layne Johnson

"This picture-book biography focuses on George Washington s life as a farmer, inventor, and scientist. The author also draws many parallels between his role as farmer and as leader. Washington's goal to make his estate self-sufficient carries over to his goal to make the new country independent. Thomas's enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her storytelling-style text. She not only used primary sources in her research, but also included several quotes from Washington's diaries and letters. These quotes are written in large script and inserted appropriately within the text. Johnson's oil paintings support the text while adding a feel of the 18th century. The balanced placement allows both the art and narrative to shine. The author includes useful back matter on visiting Mt. Vernon and an especially enlightening note on George's thoughts on Slavery. Endpapers show a map of Mt. Vernon taken from a drawing transmitted by General Washington. Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read."

Booklist Starred Review

Online Resources:
http://www.georgewashingtonwired.org/

Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington 1837-1863

Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington 1837-1863

Written and Illustrated by: Cheryl Harness

"Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington paints a vivid picture of the Springfield, IL years, when Abe met and married a pretty Kentucky woman, and made his name as a lawyer and politician. Cheryl Harness gives readers a moving account of Lincoln’s rise and the tensions that dragged the nation into conflict; brilliantly detailed maps and battle scenes deepen our understanding of the Civil War; and the book’s richly imagined illustrations recreate the life of the man who will always be regarded as one of our greatest presidents."

Scholastic Review

Online Resources:
http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/index.html

True Stories about Abraham Lincoln

True Stories about Abraham Lincoln

Written by: Ruth Belov Gross
Illustrated by: Charles Turzak

"This book includes a series of short stories that emphasize aspects of Lincoln’s life, especially his early years."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://lincoln.georgetowncollege.edu/fifth/lesson1.htm
http://lincoln.georgetowncollege.edu/fifth/lesson2.htm

John, Paul, George & Ben

John, Paul, George & Ben

Written and Illustrated by: Lane Smith

"Once there were four lads... John (Hancock) , Paul (Revere) , George (Washington) , and Ben (Franklin) . Oh yes, there was also Tom (Jefferson) , but he was always off doing his own thing, so people usually forgot about him. The lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. Johns handwriting was bigger than all the other kids. Paul's ear-splitting job as a bell-ringer made him speak a LITTLE TOO LOUDLY all the time. George was too honest for his own good. Ben was always talking in proverbs.... And Tom, well, he was just plain independent. But somehow, these five lads grew up to start a revolution that would change this country forever. Legendary artist Lane Smith has created a totally fresh and funny way to learn about the Founding Fathers of our country with just a few liberties mixed in."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.colquitt.k12.ga.us/public_lib/book%20pages/john_paul_george__ben.htm

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

Written by: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

"Our 16th president is known for many things: He delivered the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address.He was tall and skinny and notoriously stern-looking. And he also had some very strong ideas about abolishing slavery, ideas which brought him into close contact with another very visible public figure: Frederick Douglass. Douglass was born a slave but escaped in 1838 and became one of the central figures in the American abolitionist movement.

This book offers a glimpse into the unusual friendship between two great American leaders. At a time when racial tensions were high and racial equality was not yet established, Lincoln and Douglass formed a strong bond over shared ideals and worked alongside each other for a common goal."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:

http://teachingwithpicturebooks.blogspot.com/2009/09/lincoln-and-douglass-american.html

First Family

First Family

Written by: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by: AG Ford

"At work, at play, at home in the White House! The White House is a museum, the office of the chief executive, a gathering place for leaders and visitors from around the globe. It's also a home for one special family - the First Family. This book follows a day in the life of the Obama family, including first pup Bo!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101

George Washington's Breakfast

George Washington's Breakfast

Written by: Jean Fritz
Illustrated by: Paul Galdone

"Born on February 22, George Washington Allen wants his life to be just like his namesake’s, President George Washington. There is one problem. George doesn’t know what
President Washington ate for breakfast."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/kids/portrait.html

A Big Cheese for the White House

Written by: Candace Fleming
Illustrated by: S.D. Schindler

"What weighs 1,235 pounds, stands four feet high, and is made from the milk of nine hundred and thirty-four cows? Why, a giant cheese, of course! In 1801, the proud citizens of Cheshire, Massachusetts, boasted that their cheese was the very best. But then they heard the shocking news: President Jefferson was serving Norton cheese at the White House! What to do? Elder John Leland had an idea. A very large idea. If everyone worked together, they could make a cheese so large that President Jefferson would be serving Cheshire cheese at the White House for years to come. How the villagers of Cheshire create a true cheese-making miracle and transport it to the nation's capitol makes a spirited, rollicking tale. Based on a true moment in American history, this funny picture book celebrates the ingenuity and community spirit of one small New England town as it attempts to make the country's biggest cheese for the nation's greatest man."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
(click on link in the middle of page that says, "Classroom Guide" for a PDF Teachers Guide from the author of this book)

http://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_bigch.html

A. Lincoln and Me

A. Lincoln and Me

Written by: Louise Bordon
Illustrated by: Ted Lewin

"With the help of his teacher, a young boy realizes that he not only shares his birthday and similar physical appearance with Abraham Lincoln, but that he is like him in other ways as well."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/general_learner/lincoln/index.shtml

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln

Written by: David A Adler
Illustrated by: John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner

"This book follows the life of the popular president, from his childhood on the frontier to his assassination after the end of the Civil War."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/abrahamlincoln.htm

A Picture Book of George Washington

A Picture Book of George Washington

Written by: David A Adler
Illustrated by: John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner

"A book which uses pictures and words to describe the life of America’s first president. Share this read-along with young readers eager to learn more about our nation's history."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/kids/portrait.html

Meet George Washington

Meet George Washington

Written by: Patricia A. Pingry
Illustrated by: Stephanie McFetridge Britt

"This biography allows young readers to see George Washington not only as the first president of the United States, but also as a youngster with hopes and dreams. They'll discover that young George dreamed of becoming a military officer like his half-brother Lawrence; that he rode a ferry to his little schoolhouse; and that he was always polite.

All schoolchildren learn about Washington's important role in American history, but here they'll discover the human side of the first president as child, young adult, war hero, and statesman."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/kids/teacherguide.html

So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President?

Written by: Judith St. George
Illustrated by: David Small

"From the embarrassment of skinny-dipping John Quincy Adams to the mischievous adventure of Theodore Roosevelt's pony, Judith St. George shares the backroom facts, the spitfire comments, and the comical anecdotes that have been part and parcel of America's White House."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=798_type=Book_typeId=2649

If I Were President, If I Ran For President

If I Were President

Written by: Catherine Stier
Illustrated by: Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan

"Simple explanation of the diverse duties of the president of the United States. Beginning with campaign speeches and posters, six children of varied racial backgrounds take turns posing as the president while providing information about the rewards and responsibilities of the position. Touching briefly on various topics including the White House, Congress, the creation of laws, the cabinet, veto power, Air Force One, and the Secret Service, Stier introduces the day-to-day activities of the commander in chief."

School Library Journal Review

If I Ran For President

“This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself....The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion....The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want this kid-friendly title.”

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehousehistory.org/whha_classroom/classroom.html

Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections

Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections

Written by: Peter Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Woodrow For President tells the story of how Woodrow G. Washingtail, the star of Woodrow, the White House Mouse, got to the White House. The book explains the electoral process to children in fun, rhyming verse, from Woodrow's humble beginnings as a child in Moussouri and his first election to public office, to his inauguration as president of the United Mice of America!"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/photogallery/the-presidents

Woodrow, the White House Mouse

Woodrow, the White House Mouse

Written by: Peter Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Children learn about the White house and the work of the president through the adventures of Woodrow G. Washingtail, president of the United Mice of America, and his family."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents