12 Presidential Books for the Classroom
1. “Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought)” by Kathleen Krull – This book offers a fun and engaging way to introduce students to the lives of various presidents, highlighting their achievements, controversies, and personal lives.
2. “Who Was George Washington?” by Roberta Edwards – This book provides an informative and accessible overview of the first president of the United States, exploring his leadership skills, role in the American Revolution, and impact on the country’s early years.
3. “Abraham Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books” by Kay Winters – This picture book delves into the childhood and love for reading of one of America’s most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln. It offers a glimpse into his early life and how his passion for books shaped his character.
4. “Theodore Roosevelt for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities” by Kerrie Logan Hollihan – This interactive book provides a comprehensive look at the life and presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. It includes interesting activities that engage students and help them understand his contributions to American history.
5. “John F. Kennedy: The Making of a Leader” by Robert Dallek – This biography explores the life and political career of John F. Kennedy, from his childhood to his presidency. It offers insight into his leadership style, challenges faced, and his enduring legacy.
6. “Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Everything” by Maira Kalman – This beautifully illustrated book offers a unique perspective on Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States. It covers his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and his many interests and accomplishments.
7. “Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope” by Nikki Grimes – This picture book traces the inspiring journey of Barack Obama from his childhood in Hawaii to becoming the first African American president of the United States. It emphasizes the importance of hope, dreams, and perseverance.
8. “Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery” by Russell Freedman – This biography provides an in-depth look at the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt, who played a significant role in human rights advocacy and shaped the role of First Lady. It highlights her dedication to social justice and equality.
9. “Ronald Reagan: Destiny at His Side” by Janet Benge – This biography presents the life and political career of Ronald Reagan, focusing on his journey from actor to president. It examines his conservative ideology, economic policies, and impact on American politics.
10. “The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents” by William DeGregorio – This comprehensive reference book provides detailed information about all the presidents of the United States. It covers their backgrounds, major accomplishments, and notable events during their presidencies.
11. “Woodrow, the White House Mouse” by Peter W. Barnes – This charming children’s book follows the adventures of Woodrow, a mouse who lives in the White House during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. It combines historical facts with a whimsical storyline, making it an enjoyable read for young students.
12. “Grover Cleveland, Again!: A Treasury of American Presidents” by Ken Burns – This collection includes profiles of all the U.S. presidents, including Grover Cleveland. The book provides key facts, quotes, and anecdotes about each president, allowing students to explore the diversity of leadership styles throughout history.
These books offer valuable insights into the lives of various presidents and their impact on American history. Incorporating them into the classroom can spark interest and knowledge about the presidency and the role of leadership in the United States.