If you’re looking for books about Presidents Day, you’ve come to the right place! What better way to make history come alive in your classrooms than through the pages of a good book? We’ve curated a list of eight engaging reads that go beyond the typical hero narratives and delve into the intricate tapestry of the presidency. Our aim is to spark curiosity and provide your students with a well-rounded understanding of the role of a president, the importance of voting, and the rich history behind Presidents Day. Let’s embark on a literary journey that combines education with enjoyment, setting the stage for insightful discussions in your classrooms.
Books About Presidents Day That Are Nonfiction
The Story of Barack Obama: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers)
Here’s a great biography for introducing your students to Barack Obama. It’s written with new readers in mind, covering the key moments in his life in a way that’s easy for young learners to grasp. Of all the books about Presidents Day I’m recommending in this post, this is the one that goes the most in-depth into one specific person.
Our Country’s Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency
If you’re on the lookout for a comprehensive guide on U.S. Presidents, check out “Our Country’s Presidents.” It’s like an encyclopedia that gives you all the details about each president. Perfect for making your American history lessons extra interesting!
1,000 Facts About the White House
This one’s a goldmine of interesting facts about the White House. Imagine adding some cool trivia about American history, architecture, and culture to your lessons. Your students will love it!
White House Kids: The Perks, Pleasures, Problems, and Pratfalls of the Presidents’ Children
Dive into the lives of the First Kids with this book. It spills the beans on their unique experiences, challenges, and perks. A great way to jazz up your lessons about the First Family! I remember dreaming of being First Kid when I was younger, so this is a great way to talk about expectations vs. reality since it’s not always what it may seem!
Books About Presidents Day That Are Fiction
Duck for President
When we picture books about Presidents Day, we probably don’t envision animals being part of the narrative. So, try to picture this: a duck running for president! Duck for President is a super fun read for your students. It brings a touch of humor to the world of elections and governance, making it a real hit in the classroom.
Grace for President
Check out this inspiring story about Grace, a young girl dreaming of becoming president. Upon learning from her teacher that the United States has never had a female president, Grace makes a firm decision to become the first. She promptly launches her political journey by becoming a candidate in the school’s mock election. However, it doesn’t take long for her to recognize that she’s entered a challenging race. It’s not just any story; it’s a fantastic way to empower your students through a good book.
Idea: Compare and contrast Grace for President with Duck for President. Perhaps even hold a mock election to vote between the two!
If I Were President
If I Were President is a children’s book that explores the imaginative and aspirational thoughts of a child who envisions what it would be like to hold the highest office in the country. It touches on themes of leadership, responsibility, and the positive changes the child would make if they were in charge. This is one of my favorite Presidents Day books because it is also an incredible writing prompt. I have a February writing prompt pack that features a week of prompts about Presidents Day which would be a great complement to any of these books( but especially this one).
Interested in trying some February prompts out?
Ellie May on Presidents Day
Join Ellie May on an adventure on Presidents Day with this book. It’s a playful yet educational read, making it a fantastic addition to lessons about American history, presidents, and the significance of holidays. Your students are sure to enjoy the fun and learning combined!
In wrapping up our exploration of these eight captivating books about Presidents Day, we hope your students have found a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the presidency, the significance of their voice through voting, and the fascinating history behind Presidents Day. Education is not just about facts; it’s about instilling a lifelong love for learning. By incorporating these reads into your lesson plans, you’re not only teaching about the past but also fostering critical thinking and curiosity about the world around us. Happy reading, and may your classrooms be filled with enlightening discussions and a newfound appreciation for the democratic process!
Pssst…Want a set of paperless discussion slides for any read-aloud? (Spoiler: it even comes with a random question generator you can click on any time you gather on the carpet for a good book!)
Other February and Presidents Day tools and resources you might be interested in:
February Knockout Games (Presidents Day and more)
Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts (FREE)
Arm you with high-quality tools: Sleep peacefully at night knowing you’re doing what’s best for your students.
Save your energy: Provide resources that cost you little energy (that stuff is precious)---but have high impact on your students.
Light your spark: Putting fun back into your classroom after the hardest teaching years can be just what you and your students need.
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