Presidents Day is around the corner! So, it’s time to start gathering some great Presidents Day books. Today, I have 5 excellent books to read aloud in your elementary classroom.
Presidents Day Book #1: If I Ran for President
First, If I Ran for President, by Catherine Steir. This book is a fun and informative story of what it takes to run for president. Not only do you get to do the exciting stuff, like star in commercials and travel around the country campaigning. But, you also have to do a lot of hard work. You will need to study the nation’s issues, debate your opponents and come up with real solutions to real problems. The characters in the story are children who all imagine what running for president would be like. It is not only entertaining, but this book is also a great, informative conversation starter to learning about the presidency and election process!
President’s Day
This next book is a great Presidents Day book because it’s all about the holiday! In this story, Mrs. Madoff and her class celebrate by putting on a Presidents Day play! The main character shares a birthday with George Washington, so he takes his part in the play. Abraham Lincoln is played by the tallest kid in the class, Charlie, and everyone else had important parts, too! Throughout the play, the students learn about the presidents and the history of the holiday. At the end of the day, they have an election for class president. So, this book is an awesome addition to your Presidents Day instruction!
Duck for President
If you are looking for a funny read, this is your book. From the creators of the Click, Clack, Moo books, Duck for President is the story of a duck who is unhappy with the chores that he has to do on the farm each day. This duck thinks that if he were the head farmer, life would be much better. So, he decides to hold “elections” to replace the Farmer. After campaigning and winning, Duck realizes that there is a lot of hard work in running the farm and that it isn’t nearly as fun as he had anticipated.
So, Duck moves on to bigger and better things. He runs for governor and eventually president. As president, he once again realizes how much work it is. One day, while reading the “help wanted” ads in the paper, he sees an advertisement, a farmer looking for a duck who can perform daily chores on a farm. Duck decides that this job is calling to him. So, he leaves the Vice President in charge and answers the ad, which we later find out was posted by the Farmer. Duck goes back to his original life and finds that it wasn’t so bad after all. This book is such a fun read!
P is for President
Next, we have P is for President. This book is a great informational book, especially for younger readers. With excellent illustrations, the informative quality of this book is engaging. The contents include the roles and responsibilities of the American President and the election process. This book discusses how the president is elected and follows them through a campaign, moving into the White House, and fixing problems. The book also gives information about historically significant presidents along the way, making it another great Presidents day book!
Ellie May on Presidents Day
Last, but certainly not least, Ellie May on Presidents Day is a silly story of quirky Ellie May and her mission to become the flag leader. Ellie May has always wanted to be flag leader but has yet to be chosen. So, she makes it her mission to be chosen to be the flag leader the week before President’s Day. Ellie May is determined and feisty. She had good intentions to emulate the traits of important presidents that they are learning about, but mishap after mishap leads her to some questionable acts along the way. I love that this book has interesting and fun facts about our past presidents. This is an engaging story that will keep your kiddos laughing and learning at the same time!
Link: Ellie May on Presidents Day
Suggested Resources You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more Presidents Day reading and writing resources, look no further! These activities will keep your kiddos engaged while learning about our nation’s presidents and Presidents Day!
