Module 2/June 13-19/ So You Want to be President by Judity St. George

Bibliographic Citation: St. George, Judith. (2004). So you want to be president?. New York: Philomel Book

Summary: This book gives information about the education, families, and prior occupations of the different presidents up to President Clinton. Also included is some information about their Vice Presidents.  

Reviews: “Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover--and this is one of those times. David Small has cleverly depicted the presidential faces on Mount Rushmore in a jovial cartoon style that makes them friendly and not formidable, an encouraging invitation to the witty observations within a narrative that felicitously begins, "There are good things about being President and there are bad things about being President." Arranging historical tidbits in an attractive buffet, this well-timed book offers anecdotes both cautionary and guaranteed to attract attention and arouse interest. Would-be presidents are apprised of the advantages of the position, which include having a swimming pool, bowling alley, and movie theater as well as never eating "yucky" vegetables--like broccoli. As a counterpoint to the advantages, a few negatives are also presented: presidents have to dress up, be polite, and never "go anywhere alone," and they have quantities of homework. Having examined both sides of the question, succeeding spreads offer tips for achieving the desired goal: having the right first name (six presidents were named James, four John, four William, two George, two Andrew, and two Franklin); having siblings; being born in a log cabin; joining the army; becoming a hero; being a vice-president. The question of appearance is treated as a quasi-beauty contest featuring Warren Harding, who was handsome--but not a good president, as even he admitted. The overall tone is upbeat, and the need for honesty in office is stressed by contrasting Truman and Cleveland with Nixon and Clinton, the latter two depicted descending, as in banishment, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial--a sad visual commentary. The conclusion, with its reiteration of the oath of office, is positively inspiring. Appended are a list of personages featured in the illustrations, brief biographical sketches of the presidents in chronological order, and a short bibliography.” Burns, M. M. (2000). So You Want to Be President?. Horn Book Magazine, 76(4), 476-477. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

“Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. Portraits of the presidents can be generally described f as staid, stodgy, and dull. Throw these adjectives out the window when describing this book's group portrayal of American presidents. St. George leads her audience, ostensibly young presidential hopefuls, through the good points of the presidency (big house with its own bowling alley and movie theater) and bad points (lots of homework). Then she offers a spiffy presidential history with comparisions and contrasts: most popular names, log cabin origins, ages, looks, backgrounds, pets, musical abilities, favorite sports, and personalities ("William McKinley was so nice that he tried to stop a mob from attacking the man who had just shot him"). The book holds out the possibility that someday a woman, a person of color, or a person who is neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic might be elected president. The discussion ends with the oath of office and the thought that most presidents have tried to do their best to fulfill it. David Small's delightful illustrations, usually droll and sometimes hilarious, will draw children to the book and entertain them from page to page. Memorable images include the comical sight of the obese President Taft being lowered into a bathtub by a crane and a powerful scene showing two figures, Nixon (looking disgruntled) and Clinton (looking dejected), descending the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, under the shadow of impeachment. Thoughtful composition and layout both contribute to the lively visual presentation of this most original look at the presidency. The light tone of the book makes it possible for readers to absorb a great deal of information, some of it silly, but underlying the treatment is a sense of the significance and dignity of the office and the faith that children still aspire to be president.” Carolyn Phelan.  (2000, July). So You Want to Be President? [review of the book So you want to be president?]. The Booklist, 96(21), 2034.  Retrieved August 12, 2011, from Research Library. (Document ID: 56719353).

Personal Impressions:  This book was a very interesting read for me. The information was presented in a simple but fun way. The illustrations are fun and comedic as well as detailed.    I learned a lot of information about some of the presidents that I had never known before.  The book is great for showing that any child could be president someday regardless. It also makes the presidents seem more human by telling the reader a little more about their life. The presidents had similarities as well as differences and this book shows that.  

Suggestions for Use: This would be a fun read aloud for President’s Day. A fun activity would be to have the kids write down what things they have in common with the presidents and see which president they are most like.