Where Do Presidents Come From?

Where Do Presidents Come From ?
By Michael Townsends

With election season upon us, this book is a refreshing look at
how government works for middle school to high school. 
Written in graphic novel format, the colorful, cartoonish pictures could
even bring a smile to those who are not history loving fans...like my younger self.

The white spaces on the page are full of facts leading the reader to the pictures depicting other possibilities that may or may not work with government.  I found myself smiling while reading this book, thinking this may lead to learning about the President and government.  An example is Chapter 3, How Does the President Get Elected?  Through facts and pictures we learn that aliens, sea turtles, robots, bunnies, dogs and other various animals can not be elected president because of the 3 requirements to become president of the United States. 

The three requirements are:
1) You must be at least 35 years old (bunnies and dogs don't live to be that old)
2) You must have been born a United States Citizen (This robot was made in Japan)
3) You must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years (Sea Turtles and Aliens are out of luck)

Enjoyable and educational for middle to high school ages. 

Worst of Friends
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain

In this age of political awareness, this book is a great reminder for big and little kids of how two important American presidents weathered their friendship.

Thomas Jefferson was a tall, quiet man while John Adams was short and talkative.  Their friendship was based on agreeable differences, until they became political rivals--eventually becoming the 2nd and 3rd president of the United States.




Time passed, allowing both to leave their respected offices, creating a new space that often time comes with age.  On January 1, 1812 John decided to write his old friend a Happy New Years letter, unsure whether he would receive a response.  Of course Tom wrote back and their friendship was rekindled, both acknowledging each had a right to their own opinion.

Amazingly these lifelong friends both passed away on the same day, July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of American independance.

----------Though a picture book written for younger readers, a good introduction to history for any age.