With all of the issues facing the world today, aren’t we lucky to have the opportunity to teach our kids the important lessons of democracy and help them develop their “civic muscle”? (What is “civic muscle”? See this issue’s Wire.) This Bookshelf contains fiction and nonfiction books that will show kids how democracy started, how its proponents have struggled, and how it affects even young readers. If you read these books with your kids, you can follow up with lively discussions about how democracy affects our everyday lives or with interactive activities like those featured in How I Did It.
Early Readers
reading level grades 1 - 2
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A Sweet Smell of Roses
Angela Johnson
Two brave young sisters sneak out of their house to join civil rights marchers on their way to hear Dr. Martin Luther King speak. This book will help young readers to understand that even children were part of historical moments, such as the civil rights movement, that continue to affect our lives. After reading this story, kids could list some of the freedoms they enjoy and then illustrate them on a large sheet of paper to hang on the wall.
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Duck for President
Doreen Cronin
When Duck tires of doing his chores, he decides the best way out is to replace Farmer Brown. Duck runs an election and wins. But he quickly finds that running a farm is much harder than he thought. This humorous book teaches a lot about electoral processes.
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Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins
Carole Boston Weatherford
Connie, an African-American girl growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960, knows that there are places where she and her family cannot eat, drink, or use the restroom. She finds that things can change after Dr. King comes to speak, inspiring her brother to participate in a sit-in at the local café.
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Max for President
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Beginning readers will get basic information about political campaigns and elections from this story about Max and Kelly, who run for class president. Red, white, and blue illustrations reinforce the connection to national elections. After reading the book, consider holding a mock campaign and election in your program.
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Transitional Readers
reading level grades 2 - 5
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America Votes: How Our President Is Elected
Linda Granfield
The American electoral process is explained clearly and concisely in this book. A two-page spread on each topic, such as election history, parties, and the electoral college, makes the facts easy to understand. Granfield includes good basic information to make this complicated subject easier for children—and adults!
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D Is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet
Elissa Grodin
Grodin combines fun and facts to give basic information for kids of all ages. Each letter stands for a fact about government, civil rights, or a famous historical figure. Activities are also included that you can use to build on your discussions of the book with your kids.
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Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela
Yona Zeldis McDonough
This simple story describes Nelson Mandela’s life, emphasizing his ambition to make South Africa a place where blacks could receive equal treatment with whites. The bold, colorful artwork might prompt kids to illustrate their own feelings about mistreatment; perhaps they might also illustrate what they think a freer world would be like.
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Vote!
Eileen Christelow
Two dogs “commentate” on a mayoral election. This book gives information on electoral processes such as campaigning and fundraising, as well as on the history of voting, in a fun, easy-to-understand style.
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Independent Readers
reading level grades 6+
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Operation Clean Sweep
Darleen Bailey Beard
The year is 1916; the place, Umatilla, Oregon. Twelve-year-old Cornelius learns that his mother is planning to run for mayor--against his father. At this time, Oregon was one of only 11 states that had given women the right to vote. Kids will learn about the suffrage movement, when women were fighting for their rights and beginning to make a difference in politics.
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The Kid Who Ran for President
Dan Gutman
Twelve-year-old Judson Moon decides to run for president in the 2000 presidential election. This story could lead kids into a great discussion: Could it really happen? Gutman includes real information about campaigns and the presidential election process along with an interesting story line that should pique young people’s interest in political processes.
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The Misfits
James Howe
Four seventh-grade friends, tired of being bullied and teased, decide to run for student council in their small-town school. Though their speeches get too much of the wrong kind of attention, one of the friends is able to make some positive changes. After reading this book, kids can write their own speeches addressing important issues in their school or community.
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Yankee Girl
Mary Ann Rodman
When Alice Ann’s father, who works for the FBI, is transferred from Chicago to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1964, Alice faces a hard adjustment to everything southern, especially the treatment of African-Americans. Teased as a “Yankee,” Alice doesn’t fit in, especially when she befriends a black girl in her newly integrated school. This story will give kids insight into the importance of children and their issues in the struggle for civil rights in the South.
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