So You Want to Be President?

by Judith St. George and David Small

This hilarious romp chronicles arcane characteristics of the men elected to office... read more

This hilarious romp chronicles arcane characteristics of the men elected to office through the end of the 20th century. If you want to be president, Judith St. George comments, it might help if you name is James, because so far six presidents have had that name. However, the name John or William might be an advantage, too. She remarks that presidents have to dress up every day and be polite to everyone, but don’t have to eat what they don’t like. David Small’s mischievous drawings show White House advantages, such as the bowling alley. In the picture, President Nixon raises both arms in a victory gesture after knocking down all the pins. St. George points out that so far all presidents have been white, male, and Christian, while Small paints characters resembling Geraldine Ferraro and Jesse Jackson waiting to be admitted to a president’s party. A key in the back identifies the presidents in each picture, and a chronology provides biographical notes. This account is sure to entertain kids–and their grown-ups, too. Winner, CCBC 2001 Caldecott Award Discussion (Ages 7-12)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2001

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