St. George, J. (2005). So you want to be president?. (updated and rev. ed. ed.). New York: Putnam Juvenile.
Book Summary:
Through entertaining illustrations and engaging text, So You Want to Be a President is packed full of presidential knowledge. Many interesting facts about our forty-two presidents are listed, including basic biographical and "fun" facts. Such as where the president resides and how old you have to be to run for president. Additional "fun" facts about the presidents are also mentioned such as what kind of pets they kept, how many were born in log cabins, and even how many had the same name. Packed full of interesting knowledge, So You Want to Be a President helps us to get to know our presidents a little better. My Thoughts:
I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed both the illustrations, and the facts as well. It wasn't until picking up the book that I realized that I knew practically nothing about our presidents. The facts were really interesting, and I appreciated that there were some lesser known personal stories as well. Most importantly though, the illustrations were eye catching and helped enhance the facts and tales I was learning about.
Professional Reviews:
*Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover--and this is one of those times. David Small has cleverly depicted the presidential faces on Mount Rushmore in a jovial cartoon style that makes them friendly and not formidable, an encouraging invitation to the witty observations within a narrative that felicitously begins, "There are good things about being President and there are bad things about being President ." Arranging historical tidbits in an attractive buffet, this well-timed book offers anecdotes both cautionary and guaranteed to attract attention and arouse interest. Would-be presidents are apprised of the advantages of the position, which include having a swimming pool, bowling alley, and movie theater as well as never eating "yucky" vegetables--like broccoli. As a counterpoint to the advantages, a few negatives are also presented: presidents have to dress up, be polite, and never "go anywhere alone," and they have quantities of homework. Having examined both sides of the question, succeeding spreads offer tips for achieving the desired goal: having the right first name (six presidents were named James, four John, four William, two George, two Andrew, and two Franklin); having siblings; being born in a log cabin; joining the army; becoming a hero; being a vice-president . The question of appearance is treated as a quasibeauty contest featuring Warren Harding, who was handsome--but not a good president , as even he admitted. The overall tone is upbeat, and the need for honesty in office is stressed by contrasting Truman and Cleveland with Nixon and Clinton, the latter two depicted descending, as in banishment, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial--a sad visual commentary. The conclusion, with its reiteration of the oath of office, is positively inspiring. Appended are a list of personages featured in the illustrations, brief biographical sketches of the presidents in chronological order, and a short bibliography.
*Curious tidbits of personal information and national history combine with humorously drawn caricatures to give this tongue-in-cheek picture book a quirky appeal. "There are good things about being President and there are bad things about being President ." So begins a walk through a brief history of facts, successes, oddities, and mishaps. For example, most readers won't know that William Howard Taft weighed over 300 pounds and ordered a specially made bathtub. Small's drawing of a naked Taft being lowered into a water-filled tub by means of a crane should help them remember. Another spread depicts a men's shop where Andrew Johnson (a tailor) fits Ronald Reagan (an actor) for a suit while Harry Truman (a haberdasher) stands behind the counter. While the text exposes the human side of the individuals, the office of the presidency is ultimately treated with respect and dignity. A list ofpresidents with terms of office, birthplace, date of birth and death, and a one-sentence summary of their accomplishments is provided. This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject.
Eames, A. (2000). [Review of the book So you want to be president by Judith St. George]. School Library Journal, 46(8), 206-207.
Suggested Activities:
Activities for this book can be about the hats of iconic presidents, such as the stove pipe hat of Abraham Lincoln, or the three cornered hat of George Washington. Perfect for use in an election year. Image link:
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