President Book List

The books involving U.S. Presidents is relevant as an educator for a number of reasons.  One is the obvious historical benefits of learning about that certain president and the setting of the time.  Second is the sense of patriotism and heritage it can instill within the student about our nation.  Lastly, it plants a seed at a young age that these U.S. Presidents may have come from humble beginnings and rose to the top office of land through their hard work, perseverance, and other hardships/experiences that the student may connect with as a motivator within their own lives.

1.  I am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer.

Description:  In this book it shows how Abraham Lincoln always spoke up about fairness, and thus he led the country to abolish slavery. This book follows him from childhood to the presidency, including the Civil War and his legendary Gettysburg Address, focusing on a particular character trait that made him a heroic role model.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  National Geographic Readers: George Washington by Caroline Crosson Gilpin.

Description:  Great educational piece for kids.  It not only has the historical facts, but fun facts, higher level words (with a glossary), facts bubbles throughout, jokes, etc.  It is a book that will keep most kids interested.

 

 

 

3.  A President from Hawaii by Joanna Carolan.

Description:  Barack Obama is the first United States President to be born in Hawai‘i, the Aloha State. A President from Hawai‘i -- originally distributed exclusively in that state -- explores the unique history and cultural traditions of President Obama’s birthplace. In addition to the well-known concept of aloha, it introduces such Hawaiian concepts as kokua (to help), lokahi (unity), and ohana (family), among others, and includes quotes from Barack Obama’s speeches, books, and interviews that reflect and embrace these themes.

4.  The Look-It-up Book of Presidents by Wyatt Blassingame.

Description:  This book has a biography of every president from George Washington through the winner of the 2012 presidential election, and includes concise descriptions of the major events, issues, and achievements of each administration.

 

5.  Thomas Jefferson: Third President of the United States by Helen Albee Monsell.

Description:  This book highlights the childhood of Thomas Jefferson.

 

 

6.  PRESIDENTS: United States Presidents For Kids by InfoForAll Summaries.

Description:  This book is a summary of key events in the lives of every one of U.S Presidents in American History... so far.  You can read through the true stories of these President's lives and provides information about their life, accomplishments, and the events of their time.

 

 

7.  A Picture Book of John F. Kennedy by David A. Adler.

Description:  Depicts the life and career of John F. Kennedy.

 

 

8.  Take a Hike, Teddy Roosevelt! by Frank Murphy.

Description:  This book is about Teddy Roosevelt and his efforts to protect our environment and establish national parks. Teddy battled asthma all his life, and the list of things he shouldn’t do was long. But when people told him “you can’t,” he set about proving them wrong. This book focuses on his inexhaustible enthusiasm and his commitment to preserving America’s natural resources.

 

 

 

9.  White House Kids: The Perks, Pleasures, Problems, and Pratfalls of the Presidents' Children by Joe Rhatigan.

Description:  Living in America's most famous residence might seem glamorous at first--it's the most fun place any kid could live! There's a bowling alley in the basement, chefs are always available to prepare whatever you're craving, and sometimes presidential aides will even help you with your homework! This book shows the White House through the eyes of the children and grandchildren.

 

 

 

10.  Who Was Ronald Reagan? by Joyce Milton.

Description:  Depicts his childhood in rural Illinois to moviemaking days in Hollywood and on to a career in politics that took him all the way to the Oval Office.

 

 

 

11.  The President's Stuck in the Bathtub: Poems About the Presidents by Susan Katz.

Description:  This books shows the lives of the presidents as fact-filled and fanciful poems.  It also has footnotes and other reference material for students to further learn about the poems' facts.