March Trilogy - Review

March Trilogy by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell. 

Published in 2013, 2015, and 2016 by Top Shelf Productions. 128, 192, & 256 pages. Recommended for ages 13-16 years, Lexile 760, 850.

The March trilogy is a graphic novel memoir written by John Lewis about his days in the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s. Lewis was a key figure in the movement, particularly among young people, and sometimes worked side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to push for non-violent protest in order to accomplish their goals of desegregation, anti-discrimination, and equal voting rights for all Americans. The series juxtaposes the historical accounts with modern scenes from Barack Obama's inauguration, showing the progress that has been made thanks, in part, to Lewis' legacy. 

(Lewis, Aydin & Powell, 2015, p.50-51)

This series, aimed at older teen readers, is densely packed with history. Quotes from real speeches and conversations are used. Some parts of this series are uncomfortable, as the books include the derogatory terms that were thrown at Lewis and his colleagues. The violence they were met with at almost every turn, from both citizens and police, is also depicted. The gruesome aspects of the fight for civil rights is laid out on the page, including some of the horrific murders that happened in the South. His fight was dangerous, but over and over again he showed up for the cause that meant so much to him. 

(Lewis, Aydin & Powell, 2013, p.100-101)

These scenes of violence and hatred make the triumphant moments all the sweeter. The trilogy culminates in the march that Lewis helped lead from Selma to Montgomery. The first tie Lewis tried to lead this protest, it nearly cost him his life. But the march ultimately succeeded and became the linchpin in getting the Voting Acts Right passed in 1965. 

(Lewis, Aydin & Powell, 2016, p.230-231)

This trilogy is timely for modern teen readers, who have been watching news of the Black Lives Matter movement in recent years. Some of the images in the book feel eerily similar to recent videos and pictures of the protests that have been making headlines in their lifetime, and Lewis' story shows the important work that young people can do to push for the changes that they want to see in their government and country. 

The March trilogy has received numerous starred professional reviews, literary awards, and critical acclaim. March: Book Three won, among several awards, the National Book Award, the Printz Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award. The graphic novel format makes the story feel even more personal and immediate, and it's clear that this series has struck a cord with teens and readers all of ages. 

Other books to consider:

The Freedom Summer Murders by Don Mitchell. Published in 2016 by Scholastic. 256 pages. Recommended for ages 12 and up, Lexile 1130.

The murders of activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were discussed in the March trilogy, but this narrative nonfiction book gives a more in-depth look into these three young individuals and the role their deaths played in the civil rights movement.  

Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice by Phillip Hoose. Published in 2010 by Square Fish. 160 pages. Recommended for ages 13-17, Lexile 1000. 

Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin, a fifteen-year-old African American girl who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a bus. This award-winning biography tells Colvin's story, and her personal fight in the civil rights movement. 

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Published in 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 320 pages. Recommended for ages 12 and up, Lexile 1000. 

This award-winning, bestselling work of non-fiction pulls the history of racism into the modern day, shows how we got to where we are, and teaches young readers how to continue to fight for equality for all moving forward. A timely work for 2020, and an excellent companion to studying the civil rights movement. 

References:

Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (2013). March: Book one. Top Shelf Productions. 

Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (2015). March: Book two. Top Shelf Productions. 

Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (2016). March: Book three. Top Shelf Productions. 

Cubs in the Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper - Review

Cubs in the Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Julie Downing.

Published in 2020 by Holiday House. 48 pages. Recommended for ages 4-8 years, Lexile 600.

Cubs in the Tub is a narrative picture biography that tells the story of Helen Martini, the first female zookeeper at the Bronx zoo. Her husband, Fred, worked at the zoo while Helen stayed home and prepared to become a mother. But when no baby came, her husband brought home first a baby lion and then baby tigers from the zoo. Helen's baby preparations came in handy as she fed, bathed, and took care of the cubs, who thrived under her care.

(Fleming & Downing, 2020, p.10-11)

When the tiger cubs were to return to the zoo, Helen couldn't leave them behind. Fred helped her set up a secret nursery at the zoo to take care of the cubs at night, and soon Helen became a zoo employee, working in the nursery. Once the tigers grew too old for her care, the nursery filled up with other baby animals who needed her help. Helen had made a space, and a career, for herself at the zoo.

(Fleming & Downing, 2020, p.38-39)

Fleming's engaging, informative text is paired with Downing's charming, vintage-style illustrations. Readers will love the cute illustrations of the cubs and other animals, but will also come to love Helen's loving and stalwart character, as she pushes for her role at the zoo.

(Fleming & Downing, 2020, p.28-29)

Fleming includes a further biography at the end of the story, as well as bibliography for more information on Helen's life. Fleming notes that women in the 1940s "often went about carving out opportunities for themselves" not by being loud, but with their "daring and cleverness [as] they subtly worked within the existing power structure" (Fleming & Downing, 2020, p.46).

Cubs in the Tub received starred reviews from both Horn Book and Booklist. This tale will sure to strike a chord with young animal-lovers, especially young girls. It would be a great book to use in a preschool or early elementary classroom, and just as enjoyable for adults reading the book as the children.

A video of Helen at work in her nursery can be seen below:

Other books about zoos and baby animals:

Saving Fiona: The Story of the World's Most Famous Baby Hippo by Thane Maynard. Published in 2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 48 pages. Recommended for ages 4-7 years, Lexile 1020.

Baby Fiona became an internet sensation in 2017. Born prematurely, zookeepers at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden knew she wouldn't survive without a lot of extra care and attention. With creativity and teamwork, baby Fiona became to thrive, and pictures and videos of her progress made her a beloved phenomenon around the world.

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate and G. Brian Karas. Published in 2014 by Clarion Books. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 4-7 years, Lexile 620.

Katherine Applegate's bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan was based off the true story of Ivan the gorilla, who grew up in a shopping mall. In this picture book, Applegate tells the story of the real Ivan, and his journey from mall attraction to eventually become a symbol of animal welfare.

What Do They Do with All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz and Allison Black. Published in 2018 by Beach Lane Books. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 3-8 years, Lexile 910.

Learn about the bathroom habits of all your favorite zoo animals in this silly and informational picture book! Kids who love animals, bodily functions, or both will be sure to enjoy this title, which is full of interesting facts about animal poop and how zoos keep up with it.

References:

Fleming, C. & Downing, J. (2020). Cubs in the tub: The true story of the Bronx zoo's first woman zookeeper. Holiday House.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream - Review

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone. 

Published in 2009 by Candlewick Press. 134 pages. Recommended for ages 10-13 years, Lexile 980.

Almost Astronauts chronicles the stories of the "Mercury 13" women, who went through astronaut testing and training during the Space Race in order to prove that women were just as capable of space travel as men. 

The early portions of the book focus largely on Jerrie Cobb, a pilot who was already making waves as a highly skilled female aviator, when she was approached by a scientist who wanted to run a woman through astronaut testing. Up until that point, only men had been allowed to take the tests, but the scientist, Randy Lovelace, thought that NASA was missing out by not testing women. So in secret, Lovelace began to run Cobb through all the tests that the Mercury 7 astronauts had passed. 

(Stone, 2009, p.18-19)

The results from their testing were clear: women were just as capable, if not more so, than men of going into space. After Cobb was tested, the story caught national attention, and soon Lovelace was able to continue testing a total of 13 women, including Cobb, in order to fight for a place for women in space. 

It was an uphill battle for the women, as sexism ran rampant everywhere from the media through all levels of government. They didn't need to just pass the tests, but exceed them. "If women were going to prove they could equal the best of men--the chosen Mercury 7--they would have to show not only that they were as tough or tougher, but that they could do it all with a smile, never stepping out of the role of the polite, cooperative lady" (Stone, 2009, p.39). They faced incredible scrutiny, jokes, red tape, and ultimately were prevented from going into space themselves. 

However, Stone doesn't end the narrative there. She continues onward through the years, showing how these women, who despite their qualifications were denied the opportunity of a lifetime, paved the way for other women in the future. As feminists were able to prove that women were qualified to work in other fields, NASA eventually got on board with women astronauts. Eventually Sally Ride would become the first women in space, and Eileen Collins the first pilot. "On that trip, Collins had carried with her a gold pin from Jerrie depicting a Colombian bird, the symbol of both Jerrie's airplane and her entire life. This time, with Jerrie staying behind once again on Earth, it was her hopes and dreams that went hurtling into space with Collins, along for the ride" (Stone, 2009, p. 102). 

Throughout the course of the book, Stone deftly weaves in her research, interviews, and photographs. The text is clear and engaging, never talking down to the reader, who may often feel frustrated along with the Mercury 13 women, for all of the hurtles they faced during their testing. Stone also includes artifacts from the time period, including political cartoons and important documents. 

(Stone, 2009, p.80-81)

Almost Astronauts won the Robert F. Sibert Medal, an award given to outstanding nonfiction works for youth, from the American Library Association. It received starred reviews from both School Library Journal and Horn Book, as well as additional praise from other professional reviewers. It makes an excellent read for any child who is interested in learning more about early space travel or women's equality in the United States. 

Other resources to consider:

Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures 
by Karen Bush Gibson. Published in 2020 by Chicago Review Press. 240 pages. Recommended for ages 12 and up, Lexile 1080. 

This nonfiction book profiles 23 female astronauts from around the world. It would make an excellent follow-up to Almost Astronauts, as it showcases the legacy started by the Mercury 13 women. 

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of Nasa Mathematician Katherine Johnson by Katherine Johnson. Published in 2020 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 272 pages. Recommended for ages 10 and up, Lexile 1040. 

Katherine Johnson has risen in notoriouty in recent years with the 2016 movie Hidden Figures. Now young readers can learn Johnson's story in her own words with this autobiography that tells the story of another woman who fought both racism an sexism to make her own place at NASA and in the world. 

Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh. Published in 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers. 80 pages. Recommended for ages 10-12 years, Lexile 1060. 

This nonfiction work also won the Siebert medal, and expands on the many stories of the people working at NASA who helped the Apollo 11 astronauts make their historical trip to the moon and back. 

Website - Women@Nasa - Located at https://women.nasa.gov

Women@Nasa includes video interviews from over 60 women who work, or have worked, at NASA. While it doesn't appear that the website is getting updated with new interviews, this link does provide a great archive to learn more about how women today help in all aspects of NASA's initiatives, programs, and goals. 

References:

Stone, T.L. (2009). Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. Candlewick Press. 

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler - Review

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix. 

Published in 2018 by Amulet Books. 176 pages. Recommended for ages 10-14 years, Lexile 980.

This historical graphic novel interweaves the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor, with Hitler's rise to power following the first World War. Bonhoeffer would eventually become enmeshed in several attempts to kill Hitler from within the Nazi party, putting his faith to the test as he grappled with moral questions at a time of great upheaval and fear for his country. This text-heavy work combines narrative-style nonfiction with a graphic novel format, providing well-researched information alongside Hendrix's bold artwork. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.96-97)

The author's focus is on Bonhoeffer's life and Hitler's rule, so the work primarily takes place in Germany and does not focus as much on the larger context of the war. Hendrix also chose not to go into great detail of the holocaust, as it did not play a large role in Bonhoeffer's story, and "it would be inaccurate to use it as an emotional lever" (Hendrix, 2018, p.170). 

Hendrix's eye-catching illustrations play an important role in this graphic novel, providing a large helping of metaphors and visual interest to Bonhoeffer's story. The book utilizes black, teal, and red ink, along with the white of the page, to create sharp contrasts and bold lines. Hendrix primarily portrays Bonhoeffer in cool teal tones, while Hitler's portions are done in red and black. The images, while not designed to instill terror, can sometimes be unsettling, to showcase the fear and grip of Hitler and the Nazi party over Germany. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.48-49)

Interesting terms in the text are sometimes highlighted in red or teal, with an arrow pointing to a definition or an illustration. These highlights, along with Hendrix's straightforward approach, and engaging illustrations, help make this book approachable for younger readers, who may otherwise feel intimated by a traditional text. An author's note, research notes, and a bibliography for further research are also included at the end of the novel. 

(Hendrix, 2018, p.37)

The Faithful Spy has received starred reviews from several professional reviewers, including Booklist, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. Bonhoeffer has been a popular hero among Christians for many years, but Hendrix tells his story in a way that can be appealing to any reader, Christian or otherwise. Bonhoeffer's morals and religious devotion are showcased in this novel, showing that he was a man who truly lived his faith in the face of great adversity. The graphic format of this book makes it especially appealing for reluctant readers, while still providing a sophisticated vocabulary and historical information.  

Other resources to consider:

The Plot to Kill Hitler by Patricia McCormick. Published in 2018 by Balzer & Bray. 192 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years, Lexile 1000. 

Award-winning author Patricia McComrick recounts the events of Bonhoeffer's life in thorough detail using a traditional narrative nonfiction format. It would be an excellent companion book to The Faithful Spy, and both volumes would work well together in a classroom format. 

World War II: Visual Encyclopedia by DK. Published in 2015 by DK Children. 208 pages. Recommended for ages 9-12 years, Lexile 1000. 

The popular series of visual encyclopedias from DK takes on World War II in this browsable volume. Readers can read about important figures, machinery, weapons, and events from the war, along with accompanying photographs and illustrations. 

Video - Crash Course World History #38. Located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q78COTwT7nE

This video from author John Green gives a good overview of World War II. It provides a larger context to Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story and the effects that Hitler had on the world during this time period. 

References:

Hendrix, J. (2018). The faithful spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the plot to kill Hitler. Amulet Books. 

A Chicken Followed Me Home - Review

A Chicken Followed Me Home: Questions and Answers about a Familiar Fowl by Robin Page.

Published in 2015 by Beach Lane Books. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 5-10 years, Lexile 710.

A Chicken Followed Me Home is the perfect starter book for a child looking to raise their own chickens, or who would simply like to learn more about the life cycle of these domestic fowl. This expository book pairs vibrant collage-style illustrations with straightforward text to answer common questions about keeping chickens. 

(Page, 2015, p.10-11)

In the first half of the book, readers can learn about what chickens eat, where they sleep, some of the common chicken species, and the differences between a hen and a rooster. The last half of the book is largely taken up by the life cycle of the chicken, from egg fertilization, through hatching, all the way to adulthood. 

(Page, 2015, p.24-25)

The final spread answers a few further questions, including a more in-depth look about what happens inside of an egg while a chick is growing. There is also a section with additional resources for readers who would like to learn more about chickens.

(Page, 2015, p.32-33)

 

A Chicken Followed Me Home received glowing reviews from professional reviewers, including starred reviews from both School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly. This lively informational book is short enough to read to early elementary children, or even attentive preschoolers, while having enough information to satisfy older readers’ curiosity. While not a deeply in-depth look into chicken raising, it would make an excellent book to read together before buying chicks to raise, or a field trip to the farm. 

Books and websites for further research:

A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens by Melissa Caughey. Published in 2015 by Storey Publishing. 144 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years. 

This in-depth resource covers everything a child or family would want to know about keeping their own chickens. Filled with recipes, crafts, and lots of photographs, this would be a great book for your next step into chicken research after reading A Chicken Followed Me Home.

Chicks & Chickens by Gail Gibbons. Published in 2005 by Holiday House. 32 pages. Recommended for ages 4-8 years, lexile 570. 

This title would make an excellent companion book to A Chicken Followed Me Home. This book covers a bit more information on chicken information, breeds, and life cycles, with text and illustrations that would be appealing to a young elementary school child. 

Hatching Chicks in Room 6 by Caroline Arnold. Published in 2017 by Charlesbridge. Recommended for ages 3-7 years, lexile 590. 

With photographs and text that are appealing to preschoolers and kindergartners, Hatching Chicks in Room 6 would be an excellent choice to read to a classroom doing a unit on chickens, or hatching their own chicks in the classroom. 

Website - Raising Happy Chickens. Located at:

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/

Raising Happy Chickens is a comprehensive guide for anyone who would like to raise their own chickens at home. With beginner guides, reviews on equipment, and links to help users find out about their local laws regarding backyard chickens, this website covers the basics and more to keeping your own chickens. 

Website - DK Findout! Chickens. Located at: https://www.dkfindout.com/us/animals-and-nature/domesticated-animals/chickens/ 

With interactive vocabulary and an engaging video, this subject guide from DK makes for a fun few minutes of exploring and learning about chickens. 

References:

Page, R. (2015). A chicken followed me home: Questions and answers about a familiar fowl. Beach Lane Books. 

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia - Review

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming. 

Published in 2014 by Schwartz & Wade. 304 pages. Recommended for ages 12 and up, Lexile 950.

Starting with the childhood of Tsar Nicholas II, The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia covers the life of the last Tsar of Russia and his family. Fleming takes a narrative approach to this look at the Romanov family, referencing primary sources from the royal family themselves, including letters and journals, as she tells the story of their luxurious life and eventual downfall. Black and white photos are also included for reference throughout the book.

(Fleming, 2014)

Interspersed between the scenes of affluence and wealth enjoyed by Romanovs, Fleming references the terrible poverty and misery experienced by the majority of Russian peasants and workers. Readers can’t help but see the unfair dichotomy between the Romanov children, who want for nothing, and the impoverished Russian children, who want for everything. Perhaps nothing illustrates this more than when comparing the descriptions of joy the Tsar and Empress felt at the birth of their children, with this peasant lullaby from a mother too poor to feed her own child:

“Hush, hush, hushaby my baby, 

A man lives at the end of the village. 

He’s neither poor, nor rich,

He has many children,

They sit on a bench

And eat straw. 

I’ll make you suffer even more, 

I won’t give you anything to eat. 

I won’t make a bed for you” (Fleming, 2014, p.40). 

In spite of these bleak comparisons, readers will still find themselves drawn to the plights of the Romanov family. Perhaps because most readers will begin this book already knowing how it ends, even the happy moments feel bittersweet. Fleming weaves a narrative that showcases the many possible turning points that could have led to a better outcome, if only some actions had been taken earlier, or the Tsar had been better prepared to rule his people.

Fleming doesn’t flinch from some of the terrible events towards the end of the book, although she doesn’t relish or dwell on the violence of the Romanovs’ deaths, either. Much like with the majority of the book, she is interested in showing an unbiased look at the events, without excessive or gratuitous embellishment. Her writing is masterful, compelling, and appropriate for teen or even upper elementary readers.

While this book is primarily focused on the Romanov family, Fleming includes enough history and events happening elsewhere during the timeline of the book that readers will have a good grasp of the reasons behind the downfall of the last Tsar. She even includes a few pages of what happens to Russia after the death of the Tsar and his family, and the fate of their remains. An extensive bibliography, notes, and index are also included.

The Family Romanov is an impeccably researched, expertly told narrative of the last royal family of Russia. While written for young adults, this book is also appealing to an adult audience, and any reader with an interest in this subject will find more than enough to keep their interest from beginning to end.

Other resources to consider:

The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport. Published in 2015 by St. Martin’s Griffin. 544 pages. Recommended for adult readers. 

This non-fiction work for adults would be an excellent companion book for The Family Romanov for older readers. Also written in a narrative style, it gives a more in-depth look into the lives of the four Grand Duchesses, leading up to their early and tragic end. 

Where is the Kremlin? by Deborah Hopkinson. Published in 2019 by Penguin Workshop. Recommended for ages 8-12 years. Lexile 890. 

Written by an award-winning author and part of the popular “Where is” series, Where is the Kremlin? would be a good introduction to Russian history for younger readers before reading The Family Romanov. 

Video - Russian Revolution and Civil War: Crash Course European History #35. Located at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6KR4cLLVzQ 

While this video doesn’t cover the Romanovs specifically, it does give a good overview of what was happening in Russia during, and after, the events of The Family Romanov, and would make a great review before or after reading the book.

References:

Fleming, C. (2014). The family Romanov: Murder rebellion and the fall of Imperial Russia. Scwartz & Wade. 

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidents - Review

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidents by Kate Messner, illustrated by Adam Rex.

Published in 2020 by Chronicle Books. 48 pages. Recommended for ages 8-12 years, Lexile 1080.

This timely presidential fact book takes a unique approach to peering into the lives of the presidents of the United States. Messner selects several dates in history and highlights a short fact that states where the current and future presidents who were alive during that year could be found. Some future presidents were already in politics, some in school or working jobs, and others were still children. 

(Messner, 2020, p.32-33)

Interspersed between the dates are “snapshots,” with more in-depth information about a particular president, or as in the example below, some of the White House pets. 

(Messner, 2020, p.20-21)

These snippets of information are designed to showcase that the future president could be just about anyone, and ultimately highlight for the child reader the idea that even they could be president someday. The book ends with some speculation about who the next ten presidents, who are probably already alive, might be. This final illustration shows three children who are thinking, growing, and considering the future that they might lead. 

(Messner, 2020, p.35-36)

The end pages also include a few additional facts, including presidential requirements, a map of presidential birthplaces, further reading resources, and an extensive bibliography. 

(Messner, 2020, p.38)

Messner’s carefully researched and written facts are accompanied by Rex’s beautiful illustrations. The team doesn’t shy away from some of the less glamorous aspects of history, including the too often overlooked labor of slaves that were owned by the founding fathers.

(Messner, 2020, p.8-9)

Messner and Rex do a fairly good job of remaining impartial, although some user reviewers have complained about the inclusion of an image of Hilarie Clinton towards the end of the book, and felt there should have been more information about President Donald Trump (EllieMae et all, 2020). Despite these criticisms, the book received high acclaim from literary reviews, including starred reviews from School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Horn Book Magazine. 

The Next President provides a unique take on United States presidential history, and would be a great book for a child looking for an overview, or one simply wanting to know a few more facts about previous presidents. This book would make an excellent addition to a class or school library, and is also a timely book to read with children for the 2020 and future presidential elections. 

Some companion books to consider are: 

The Presidents Visual Encyclopedia by DK Smithsonion. Published in 2017 by DK Children. 208 pages. Recommended for ages 9-12 years, Lexile 1180.

This book would be a great next step after reading The Next President, as it covers all 45 presidents of the United States and goes more in-depth into information about their lives, the White House, and the U.S. presidency. Full color photographs and illustrations accompany the information, making it an engaging and browsable book for readers. 

Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents by David Stabler. Published in 2014 by Quirk Books. 224 pages. Recommended for ages 9-12 years, lexile 950.

This fun and sometimes goofy book gives insights into the childhoods of the first 44 U.S. Presidents. Accompanied with cartoons and short chapters, this book is perfect for a history fan, whether they want to flip through and pick out their favorite presidents, or read it cover to cover. Kid Presidents goes more in-depth than The Next President and also makes these imposing figures of history a little more relatable to modern kids. 

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Published in 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 40 pages. Recommended for ages 4-8 years, lexile 570.

While Grace for President is a fictional story, it makes an excellent companion to The Next President. This appealing story introduces young readers to important information about the election process, including the electoral college, and also ties well into the idea that any child could be the next President of the United States. 

References:

EllieMae et al. (2020). The next president: The unexpected beginnings and unwritten future of america’s presidents. Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Next-President-Unexpected-Beginnings-Presidents/dp/1452174881/

Messner, K. (2020). The next president: The unexpected beginnings and unwritten future of america’s presidents. Chronicle Books.