Introduction: Elections play a crucial role in shaping our democracy, and it’s never too early to introduce children to the concept of voting, civic engagement, and the power of their voice. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or caregiver, these 18 books about elections are perfect for introducing kids of every age to the electoral process. Each book is accompanied by lesson ideas that will help children grasp the importance of elections and inspire them to become active participants in their community.
- “Vote for Me!” by Ben Clanton Lesson Idea: Hold a mock classroom election where students create campaign posters and give persuasive speeches.
- “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio Lesson Idea: Organize a classroom election to teach students about the Electoral College and campaign strategies.
- “Duck for President” by Doreen Cronin Lesson Idea: Have students create their own campaign slogans and posters to promote themselves as class representatives.
- “One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote” by Bonnie Worth Lesson Idea: Discuss the importance of voting rights and encourage students to imagine a world without the ability to vote.
- “Lillian’s Right to Vote” by Jonah Winter Lesson Idea: Teach students about the history of voting rights, particularly the struggles faced by African Americans.
- “If I Ran for President” by Catherine Stier Lesson Idea: Help students understand the qualities of a good leader and encourage them to think about what changes they would make if they were president.
- “Today on Election Day” by Catherine Stier Lesson Idea: Create a classroom voting booth and show students how the process of voting works.
- “The Kid Who Ran for President” by Dan Gutman Lesson Idea: Have students write their own campaign speeches and debate important issues facing their school or community.
- “Vote!” by Eileen Christelow Lesson Idea: Discuss the importance of informed voting and the impact of individual votes on elections.
- “The Day Gogo Went to Vote” by Elinor Batezat Sisulu Lesson Idea: Explore the importance of voting in different cultures and discuss the historic South African elections
- “Woodrow for President” by Peter Catalanotto Lesson Idea: Create a class “cabinet” where students take on different roles (e.g., secretary of education, secretary of health) and work together to solve issues.
- “Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote” by Herman Parish Lesson Idea: Introduce the concept of political parties and have students create their own party platforms.
- “Splat the Cat for President” by Rob Scotton Lesson Idea: Organize a class debate where students discuss important issues and present their stance on them.
- “President Squid” by Aaron Reynolds Lesson Idea: Have students write persuasive letters to the principal or local government advocating for a cause that’s important to them.
- “Electing Leaders” by Kristin Sterling Lesson Idea: Teach students about the different branches of government and the role of elected officials.
- “When You Grow Up to Vote” by Eleanor Roosevelt Lesson Idea: Encourage students to think about the future and the impact their votes can have on society.
- “The Elections” by Seymour Simon Lesson Idea: Explore the history of elections in the United States and discuss the evolution of the electoral process.
- “Around America to Win the Vote” by Mara Rocklif Lesson Idea: Introduce students to the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for women’s right to vote.
Conclusion: By introducing children to books about elections, we can ignite their curiosity and foster a sense of civic responsibility from a young age. These 18 books, accompanied by lesson ideas, provide a great starting point for teaching kids about elections, democracy, and the power of their voice. Happy reading and inspiring the next generation of active citizens!