It is hard to believe that Monday is Presidents' Day. I am thinking back to last Presidents' Day and how much has changed including our President. Last Presidents' Day my family was getting ready for our big trip to Florida. Hazel had asked for Christmas and her birthday for a trip to Disney. We picked her February vacation to do it. That trip is the last time we were out of Massachusetts. When we returned we found a new school for Hazel. My car needed to be replaced and then the lockdown happened. Presidents' Day represents what was my normal life for me before this pandemic. And of course, the President and the election were BIG news this year. Well today I am going to share with you National Geographic's 2020 Edition of Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency by Ann Bausum. Every four years National Geographic Kids puts out a new edition.
This book says it is a complete encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidency and it is. Not only are there biographies, photos, and fun facts about each U.S. President from George Washington to Joe Biden, but there is information about the role of the President, the White House, the role of the Vice President, fun traditions at the White House, the first ladies, information about the polls and pollsters and so much more. This book is full of everything you want to know about the Presidents past and present as well as their roles and what they did as President.
Some Presidents have longer bios than others. Some last pages while others only have one page plus a photo page. It really depends on how much there is to tell about that President and his life and career. There are stories about their lives as and achievements. Some is about the presidency while there are many personal stories added in. For example, the book tells us the source of the tale of George Washington cutting down the cherry trees. The spreads however are amazing. Each President as a full page photo (older presidents are of their portraits) and then their name and the place they were in the line of Presidents including the years they were president. Then their bio begins but to the right is a column that includes a copy of their signature, nickname, birth information, political party, chief opponents, term of office, age at inauguration, number of terms, vice president(s), first lady(ies), wife(ves), children, number of states, new states added, death information, age at death, and selected landmarks. These columns are enough for many teachers to enjoy gathering facts and more. Talk about trivia games!
This book is perfect for any classroom or household to learn more about the Presidents as well as those who support the President. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. It is a fun way for middle grades to learn more about our government and the men who have run it. I hope you will check it out!
