Politics & Government Books

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

Nikki Grimes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Voted third party 1 out of 5 stars.
10 of 13 people found this review helpful.

You have GOT to be kidding me???? There is something seriously wrong with any parent that would give this god-king worship book to a child. I fear for anyone that focuses this much adoration towards a man. I fear for any nation that adores a leader to this extent. Lets pull our heads out of the clouds people.

Editorial Review:

Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.

This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.

America : A Patriotic Primer

Lynne Cheney

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Written by Lynne Cheney, author and wife of Vice President Richard Cheney, to honor this "beautiful land made more beautiful still by our commitment to freedom," America: A Patriotic Primer is a proud celebration of the individuals, milestones, and principles of this nation. Each busy spread features elaborately decorated letters of the alphabet, with one or two kids draped over its bars and loops, along with the highlighted concept or person: "N is for Native Americans, who came here first," "T is for Tolerance." Surrounding every letter is a veritable circus of entertaining and useful related information, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move). "J is for Jefferson," for example, is bordered with biographical details and quotations from Thomas Jefferson, while mini images depict the third president's famous home (Monticello), some of his inventions, and a description of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This compelling picture book will work best as a supplement for children who are already immersed in basic American history at school. Teachers and parents will enjoy exploring with their kids every inch of the detailed, hand-drawn and illustrated U.S. map found in "U is for United States," explaining and elaborating on the historical lessons as appropriate. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Kids Are Americans Too

Bill O'reilly, Charles Flowers

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Reference & Nonfiction -> Politics & Government

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good Kid Primer 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great book for Kids on being a Citizen. Non-political and great examples of where rights of each individual overlap. I bought 10 copies for the Boy Scouts to read while earning their Citizenship Merit Badges.

Editorial Review:

Four-time #1 bestselling author and veteran television news journalist Bill O'Reilly has more than 5 million copies of his books in print to date! His first book for young fans, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids, held the honorable distinction of being the #1 bestselling nonfiction title for kids in 2005 according to Nielsen's The Book Standard.

Back again with a dialogue on rights that will have everyone talking, O'Reilly and his coauthor Charles Flowers dole out the kind of blunt, cogent, commonsense commentary you count on them for. Together they explore timely questions being debated in and out of courts today, including:

• Can a kid wear an anti-gay T-shirt on campus?
• Does a school newspaper have the right to bad-mouth a principal?
• Does a mother have the right to eavesdrop on her daughter's telephone conversations?

Some of the answers will surprise you. Some will empower you. All will make you think.

If I Ran For President

Catherine Stier

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fun and educational for children AND adults! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

If I Ran for President summarizes a presidential candidates journey from dreaming about being president to Inauguration Day. The simple book is clear, understandable, and "sneaks" big ideas and concepts into the story. I used this book to teach 1st-3rd-graders about the presidential candidacy process during the 2008 Presidential race. By the time I was done reading the book, I had several Presdidential hopefuls already planning their run for the White House!

Editorial Review:

“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 author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion....The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want this kid-friendly title.”—School Library Journal

“Children will come away with a better understanding of the complex election-process, and, just maybe, an enduring respect for it.” —Booklist

The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot

Russell Kirk

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Definitive Volume for Conservatives 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

~The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot~ by the late Russell Kirk is arguably one of the greatest contributions to twentieth-century American conservatism. This is real conservatism, not the typical neocon tripe by David Frum or Sean Hannity that masquerades behind the appellation of 'conservative.' Kirk presents a rock-solid historical journey through the conservative mind. Conservatives are of course more sober-minded than the assorted radicals and progressives of the Left. Conservatives have a sound doctrine of anthropology, because they grasp man's nature, and are realistic about the implications of it. Whereas, the political Left has a positive view of man, and from that emanates romantic quixotic fixations that manifest themselves in repugnant ideology that seldom meshes with reality.

The vignette sketches of Edmund Burke, John Adams, John Randolph, John Calhoun, Thomas Macauley, James Fennimore Cooper, Alexis de Tocqueville, John Quincy Adams, Benjamin Disreali, Irving Babbitt, George Santayana, and other luminaries represent insightful overview of the conservative movement in all its stripes. The essence of conservatism always lingered in the American mind, but when Russell Kirk distilled its core principles in his erudite works, he reinvigorated the intellectual groundwork for its defense and continuance. "People will not look forward to posterity", Burke wrote, "who never look backward to their ancestors."

"As the prophet of American conservatism, Russell Kirk has taught, nurtured, and inspired a generation. From... Piety Hill, he reached deep into the roots of American values, writing and editing central works of political philosophy. His intellectual contribution has been a profound act of patriotism. I look forward to the future with anticipation that his work will continue to exert a profound influence in the defense of our values and our cherished civilization."
--Ronald Reagan

Editorial Review:

The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk is arguably one of the greatest contributions to twentieth-century American Conservatism. Brilliant in every respect, from its conception to its choice of significant figures representing the history of intellectual conservatism, The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk launched the modern American Conservative Movement. A must-read.

How the U.S. Government Works

Syl Sobel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Understanding how the government of the United States works can sometimes be a daunting task for adults, so imagine how challenging it can be to children. Now, with this easy-to-follow, simplified, fully illustrated book, written by one of the directors of the Judicial Center in Washington, D.C., children will have a guide that untangles the web of complexity behind the workings of our democratic government.

Having someone who works in the judicial branch of our government lay out how our government works in book form brings an unprecedented clarity to the subject for children.

In addition to explaining the three distinct branches of our federal government, the book discusses the extension of the judicial branch throughout the country by our federal court system. How government officials are elected and appointed is also explained, as is the unique concept that government employees work for the people.

The book is not overwhelming in size or scope and the layout, featuring Pam Tanzey's illustrations, creates a visual presentation that will not intimidate children and is easy to digest. The book also includes a map of the capital area to further help familiarize students with Washington, D.C.. Useful as a shorthand guide to our government, or as a supporting text, How The U. S. Government Works, which also contains an illustrated glossary, is an informed and engaging overview for children of the miracle and makeup of the day-to-day mechanism of our democracy, told by a government insider.

Time for Kids: Presidents of the United States (Time For Kids)

Time for Kids, Lisa Demauro

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

mom 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Very nice book. I bought it for my 10 year old and she loves it. Great price too.

Time for Kids: President of the United States 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

My son took this book to show at his Wolves (Cub Scouts) den meeting. Everyone loved it including the parents. It is very informative and it is easy to read. I would recommend this for everyone who is interested in the history of the Presidents of the United States.

Great coffe table book for 1st graders! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

What a great book!! My seven year old loves this book - lots of facts and pictures. We read one president a night!!

Editorial Review:

Did you know that James Monroe was the first President to appear without a wig in formal public settings? Or that George W. Bush named the first African Americans as secretaries of state? In this informative reference book by the editors of the award-winning TIME For Kids^® magazine, you'll learn about the Presidents' childhoods, careers, accomplishments in office, and life after the White House. As a great plus for school reports, you'll find hundreds of fascinating facts—and the history of our nation is woven into each presidential portrait.

My Dad, John McCain

Meghan McCain

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

My Kids Loved This Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Sometimes in political campaigns, people get all angry at candidates like they are an opposing baseball team and they forget that they are real people and deserve to be celebrated and recognized as people. Childish name calling rips off SO many people when it comes to politics.

In the case of John McCain, despite me formerly making judgments on him based upon information acquired through media, I was amazed to realize that I had so overlooked him as a person.

In the book MY DAD, JOHN MCCAIN, Meghan McCain writes a lovely book about her father in language that young children can understand. Regardless of what he is thought of politically, I think it is a good thing for children to know something about famous political figures as PEOPLE not just from what razzle dazzle is (or in this case is not) force fed to us on TV.

Meghan McCain is proud of her father, and everyone in my family was impressed with her simple yet direct explanations of why her father would make a good President of the United States, but also why she was proud of him and why she admires him.

Such a book is good for children to read- it shows a daughter who is very proud of her father- and for good reason, John McCain is a hero for the United States.

Although she explains his prisoner of war experience it is very light weight for children- it will not overwhelm them. Also, she explains simply how many good and valuable qualities he has, determination being one of them.

Lastly, the book is covered with very nice illustrations done by Dan Andreasen. They colors are lovely and the drawing/paintings are beautifully done.

This book is an excellent book for young people to read about one of the many American Heroes , but especially because it is from a daughter that loves her dad.

It is not the BEST book I have ever read, but it is a nice simple book.

For anyone else to say anything bad about it, is just sour political grapes from someone who does not understand or value family or the heritage of the United States and should not be paid attention to.

Editorial Review:

Born the son and grandson of military men, Senator John McCain from Arizona was destined for a life serving his country in the armed forces. Like many great men, he occasionally struggled with authority, but once he found his true calling -- flying naval aircraft -- his ideals and commitment to his country took him far.

From the low point of five years as a prisoner of war to the high points of raising a large, happy family and being chosen as the Republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election, Senator McCain has lived an incredible life driven by a love of his country and a desire to serve it to the best of his ability.

This picture book biography, written with great love and insight by his oldest daughter, writer Meghan McCain, shows us the public John McCain and the personal John McCain in a way we've never seen before -- making this American hero come to life before young eyes.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Jeanette Winter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

This is one "get-it-done" woman 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"The earth was naked. For me the mission was to try to cover it with green." - Wangari Maathai

Growing up in the shadow of Mount Kenya in Africa, Wangari is surrounded by an umbrella of green trees. The trees protect the birds, provide firewood to the women of the village and help keep the soil rich for the sweet potatoes, sugarcane and maize Wangari helps to harvest.

Wangari travels to America for school, but when she returns six years later, the trees are gone. No crops grow, the birds are gone and the women have to travel far distances to find firewood. On World Environment Day in 1977, Wangari plants nine seedlings in her backyard and begins the Green Belt Movement which, over the next 27 years, plants thirty million trees across Africa.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: a true story from Africa is the story of one woman's effort to return green to Africa. Told in Jeanette Winter's simple language and blocky, colorful illustrations, Wangari's Trees of Peace is wonderful means to introduce 3-to-7-year- olds to environmentalism, the interconnected nature of ecosystems and political activitism. It also introduces some difficult subjects that may make some children and parents uncomfortable: prejudice ("Women can't do this"), violence ("Wangari blocks their way, so they hit her with clubs") and imprisonment ("They call her a troublemaker and put her in jail").

While Winter's tale simplifies Wangari's story to a basic level, it carries within it an important message, that one person can make a difference. Wangari's simple act of planting a tree translates to an important environmental movement and Wangari receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Children are innate idealists and it is never too early to foster their belief that they can achieve anything.

In keeping with the environmental nature of Wangari's Trees of Peace, the book is printed on 100 percent recycled paper with 50 percent post-consumer waste.

Armchair Interviews says: Book both educates and entertains.

Editorial Review:

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . .

This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.

Includes an author’s note.

This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% postconsumer waste.

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Sooner or later, just about every American kid is required to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. And until now, it was one of the more boring, meaningless assignments. But artist and political cartoonist David Catrow (Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon) has changed all that with his witty, clear-as-a-Liberty-Bell picture book. For him, the Constitution is "a kind of how-to book, showing us ways to have happiness, safety, and comfort." With laugh-out-loud cartoony illustrations, and the actual words of the Preamble as the only text, Catrow depicts a camping trip taken by a diverse, bumbling group of friends, demonstrating the rights and responsibilities the Constitution places on all Americans, young and old. In one especially winning picture, the kids' long-nosed, long-eared pooch provides "for the common defense," keeping lackadaisical guard over the camp as the three human friends yuk it up in silhouette inside the tent. Readers will never yawn at mention of the Constitution again! (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter