1. Bibliography
St. George, Judith. 2000. So You Want to Be President? Ill. by David Small. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780399251528
2. Plot Summary
In this entertaining book, Judith St. George gives advice to young readers who aspire to be president one day. All forty two men who have previously held the title of President of the United States are included as St. George relays both serious and fun facts about each. Presidents are grouped together by similar things and stood apart for what made them unique. Readers are given tips based on statistics of past presidents such as, "you might consider joining the army" or "another route to the White House is to be Vice President..." Both the advantages and disadvantages of the job are considered; the President "has a swimming pool, bowling alley, and a movie theater" but "always has to be dressed up." The author also stresses how important it is to be honest when you are the president and depicts what happens when you are not as in the cases of Presidents Nixon and Clinton. The book concludes with the Presidential oath, the seriousness it must be taken with, and the notion that most of our presidents have done their very best to fulfill it.
3. Critical Analysis
Judith St. George writes a wonderfully entertaining and informative book about a subject that can sometimes be dry and stuffy. Throughout the book, presidents are first and foremost represented as human beings with childhoods, failures, likes and dislikes. The strong theme is that, while being President is a tough job, it is an attainable dream for everyone. The message to children is that all of the Presidents were unique individuals and none were perfect, therefore there is a possibility that you could be President too! St. George blends historical facts with fun anecdotal information perfectly to bring past presidents alive to children.
David Small's comical and interesting illustrations of Presidents really contribute to making the narrative come to life. Among the most memorable of the humorous caricature-like illustrations is a drawing of President Taft being air-lifted into his specially made tub because he was so big (more than 300 pounds) and President Andrew Jackson mid-swing in a fight to depict the long list of duels, fights, shootings and brawls he had participated in when he ran for President (fourteen in all!) Small also illustrated a more powerful depiction of President Clinton and Nixon, their heads hung in shame, descending the capitol steps to show the serious consequences of Presidential dishonesty.
This book confirms the humanity of all past Presidents and firmly communicates to young readers that ANYBODY can be President if they have integrity and are willing to work hard. Furthermore, it affirms that the Presidency is an office worthy of aspiring to.
4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly-"The comical, caricatured artwork emphasizes some of the presidents' best known qualities and amplifies the playful tone of the text...The many clever, quirky asides may well send readers off on a presidential fact-finding mission--and spark many a discussion of additional anecdotes. A clever and engrossing approach to the men who have led America."
Booklist-"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."
Horn Book Magazine-"The conclusion, with its reiteration of the oath of office, is positively inspiring. "
5. Connections
Other picture books about the Presidential Office are:
Goodman, Susan. See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House. ISBN 9781599901718.
Stier, Catherine. If I Ran for President. ISBN 9780807535431.
Vecchione, Glen. The Little Giant Book of American Presidents. ISBN 9781402726927.
King, David C. Have Fun with the Presidents: Activities, Projects, and Fascinating Facts. ISBN 9780471679059.
St. George, Judith. 2000. So You Want to Be President? Ill. by David Small. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780399251528
2. Plot Summary
In this entertaining book, Judith St. George gives advice to young readers who aspire to be president one day. All forty two men who have previously held the title of President of the United States are included as St. George relays both serious and fun facts about each. Presidents are grouped together by similar things and stood apart for what made them unique. Readers are given tips based on statistics of past presidents such as, "you might consider joining the army" or "another route to the White House is to be Vice President..." Both the advantages and disadvantages of the job are considered; the President "has a swimming pool, bowling alley, and a movie theater" but "always has to be dressed up." The author also stresses how important it is to be honest when you are the president and depicts what happens when you are not as in the cases of Presidents Nixon and Clinton. The book concludes with the Presidential oath, the seriousness it must be taken with, and the notion that most of our presidents have done their very best to fulfill it.
3. Critical Analysis
Judith St. George writes a wonderfully entertaining and informative book about a subject that can sometimes be dry and stuffy. Throughout the book, presidents are first and foremost represented as human beings with childhoods, failures, likes and dislikes. The strong theme is that, while being President is a tough job, it is an attainable dream for everyone. The message to children is that all of the Presidents were unique individuals and none were perfect, therefore there is a possibility that you could be President too! St. George blends historical facts with fun anecdotal information perfectly to bring past presidents alive to children.
David Small's comical and interesting illustrations of Presidents really contribute to making the narrative come to life. Among the most memorable of the humorous caricature-like illustrations is a drawing of President Taft being air-lifted into his specially made tub because he was so big (more than 300 pounds) and President Andrew Jackson mid-swing in a fight to depict the long list of duels, fights, shootings and brawls he had participated in when he ran for President (fourteen in all!) Small also illustrated a more powerful depiction of President Clinton and Nixon, their heads hung in shame, descending the capitol steps to show the serious consequences of Presidential dishonesty.
This book confirms the humanity of all past Presidents and firmly communicates to young readers that ANYBODY can be President if they have integrity and are willing to work hard. Furthermore, it affirms that the Presidency is an office worthy of aspiring to.
4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly-"The comical, caricatured artwork emphasizes some of the presidents' best known qualities and amplifies the playful tone of the text...The many clever, quirky asides may well send readers off on a presidential fact-finding mission--and spark many a discussion of additional anecdotes. A clever and engrossing approach to the men who have led America."
Booklist-"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."
Horn Book Magazine-"The conclusion, with its reiteration of the oath of office, is positively inspiring. "
5. Connections
Other picture books about the Presidential Office are:
Goodman, Susan. See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House. ISBN 9781599901718.
Stier, Catherine. If I Ran for President. ISBN 9780807535431.
Vecchione, Glen. The Little Giant Book of American Presidents. ISBN 9781402726927.
King, David C. Have Fun with the Presidents: Activities, Projects, and Fascinating Facts. ISBN 9780471679059.
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