America: A Patriotic Primer

Title: America: A Patriotic Primer
Author: Lynne Cheney

Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Type: Non-Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 3rd-8th
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 978-0689851926

Synopsis: An alphabet book with American symbols, history, and trivia for each letter.  A wide range of topics are covered including, but not limited to, the Constitution, American heroes, Native Americans, rights, suffrage, and patriotism.

Lesson plan links

Possible Teaching Points: 1) civics, 2) American history, 3) American symbols 

Vote!

Title: Vote!
Author: Eileen Christelow
Illustrator: Eileen Christelow
Type: Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 2nd-6th
Publisher: Clarion Books

Date of Publication: 2003
ISBN: 978-0618247547

Synopsis: Narrated by two talking dogs, this is a simple, easy-to-understand explanation of the voting process.  A a race for mayor is underway in a fictional town, the dogs walk the reader through how and why people vote.  They discuss issues such as how to research candidates, fundraising, political advertising, and the history of voter rights.  The book is laid out in a Sunday comics type of format.

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) the voting process in America, 2) voters' rights, 3) civic responsibility

See How They Run

Title: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House
Author: Susan E. Goodman
Illustrator: Elwood H. Smith
Type:  Non-Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 5th-adult
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 978-1599902852

Synopsis: A witty and entertaining look at how the election process works in the United States.  The first section of the book covers the history of democracy including its Roman roots, the rise of democracy in the United States, and the formation of political parties and their symbols.  The second section details how campaigning works from how someone goes about running for president, to primaries and conventions, to the involvement of the media in the process.  Sections three and four discuss how the presidency is won, fraud in the election process, and what happens on inauguration day.  Section five covers the importance of voting.  The writing throughout the book is student-friendly and engaging.  There are multiple anecdotes, bits of trivia, and entertaining facts accompanied by cartoon drawings and photos.

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) American civics, and 2) the election process

The Lady in the Box

Title: The Lady in the Box
Author: Ann McGovern
Illustrator: Marni Backer
Type: Realistic Fiction
Approximate Interest Level: 2nd - 7th
Publisher: Turtle Books
Date of Publication: September 16, 1999
ISBN: 978-1890515157

Synopsis: Two children set out to help a homeless woman living in a box in front of their building despite the fact that their mother has told them to never talk to strangers.  Mom eventually figures out that something is going on and the kids confess to what they have been up to.  Mom encourages the children to help out at the local soup kitchen, and they begin to understand that homeless people are real human beings.

Lesson plan link

Possible Teaching Points: 1) civic responsibility, 2) community