If I Ran for President

September 1, 2007
Gr 1-3-This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself. The fact that one must be 35 years of age is only mentioned in the note. The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion. However, the multiple narrators can be confusing. One must rely on the illustrations to know which child is speaking, and sometimes it is not apparent at first glance. The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want to consider this kid-friendly title."Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2007
This candidates eye view of a presidential campaign takes readers from initial questionsAm I the best person for the job? Am I ready to work VERY, VERY, VERY hard for my country? Do lots of people believe in me, and will they help me run for office?to the first day in the Oval Office. Although Stier writes in a single narrative voice, in Avrils cartoon illustrations the lead switches among a multicultural quartet of shiny-faced, neatly dressed children as the initial announcement of candidacy is followed by local campaigning, the party convention, more campaigning, and finally Election Day. Fearmongering and other political dirty deeds dont rate a mention, but the Electoral College, the Iowa Caucus, and even the losers congratulatory phone call to the winner do. Children will come away with a better understanding of the complex election process, and, just maybe, an enduring respect for it.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)