Kids Learn about Political Process in New Books for Children

Kids are paying attention to Election '08 and publishers are responding with new titles about how the U.S. elects a president and how kids can make a difference.

New York, NY (Issues Wire / PRWEB) February 7, 2008 -- In young America, the 2008 Presidential Election is not just another election. This year, kids are volunteering their time, learning how democracy works, and how they can make a difference. Children's publishers have responded with new books for all ages, giving kids both facts and stories about how our nation elects a president.

Younger readers will find out what they need to know -- and have a few laughs -- with Duck for President, Doreen Cronin's award-winning picture book covering the first run for President by an Avian-American--and the basics of the electoral process -- illustrated by Betsy Lewin (all ages, picture book fiction, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $16.99 hardcover). Published in 2004, this New York Times bestseller is back for a second term with a new cover design and website, Duck for President, where kids can vote for Duck (or Farmer Brown) and print out campaign buttons to show their support.

Older kids who want to know how this whole election business works -- and have a few more laughs -- can turn to See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes and the Race to the White House, by Susan Goodman, illustrated by Ellwood H. Smith (ages 8 and up nonfiction, June 2008, Bloomsbury USA, $9.95 paperback). From debates to the electoral college, every twist and turn to the presidency is explained with in a kid-friendly voice, funny illustrations, and lots of suggestions how readers can get involved. They can even take part in the national debate at the "Kids Speak Out!" survey.

Girls in the 'tween years will enjoy seeing politics through the eyes of a peer in First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover and First Daughter: White House Rules, written by Mitali Perkins (11 and up, fiction, Dutton, $16.99 hardcover, First Daughter). In these smart and funny novels, Sameera, also known as Sparrow, hits the campaign trail with her father. When the family moves to the White House, her adventures have just begun. Readers can go to Sparrowblog where Sparrow gives news updates on the lives of real candidates' sons and daughters on the campaign trail--Meghan McCain, Cate Edwards, Sarah Huckabee, Malia and Sasha Obama, Chelsea Clinton, the five Romney sons, and the first twins--along with links to sites where kids can find out more about politics and getting involved.

Kids are following the 2008 election at the dinner table, on TV, online, and in wide range of children's books. How would they vote? Only time will tell, yet the right books will help them prepare for that big day.

To request review copies and/or arrange to interview the authors/illustrators, please contact: Deborah Sloan, Deborah Sloan and Company, 978.684.5005.

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