Election Books for Kids

Before I share this collection of election books for kids, I have to share a funn story with you.

Last week, my seven-year-old came home school and told me, excitedly, that he was voted class president. This isn’t a real role…rather, it was a chance for the kids to learn about elections and the voting process.

He could hardly contain his excitement, though, and I asked him what he had done to win.

“I promised everyone it would easier to get to a blue, harder to get to a yellow, and that we’d have one day less of homework each week. And I promised them all Pokemon cards,” he finished. Then, sheepishly, he said, “So, can I borrow $2? Because I need to buy everyone Pokemon cards now.”

Basically, he won the election by making promises he can’t keep, bribing his constituents, and going into debt. JACK FOR PRESIDENT!

On a more serious note, though, the upcoming election has been a source of much conversation in this house. With a kid who loves history (and reads history books for fun), elections and politics sort of fall into his wheelhouse of interests by default.

Today I want to share some great election books for kids. These can be a great way to start a conversation or go more in-depth into the whole election process (which is confusing!).

Best Election Books for Kids

The Kid Who Ran for President, by Dan Gutman – This chapter book is a fun story about 12-year-old Judson Moon and his run for the Presidency.

Honest Abe’s Guide to President Elections, by Jack Silbert (grades 3-5) – This book breaks down the election process into easy-to-understand categories, and to be honest (ha), I probably need to read this myself. 

What is the Declaration of Independence? by Michael C. Harris – This is a chapter book, and is part of the New York Times Best-Selling “What Is” Series. This book explains how and why we have the Declaration of Independence. It also has lots of drawings and pictures, which I know some kids love!

Grace for President, by Kelly DiPucchio – This timely book tells the story of Grace, who realizes there haven’t been any women presidents…and then proceeds to run for class president, despite being up against a boy who seems perfect for the job. This is one of my daughter’s favorite books!

The Night Before Election Day, by Natasha Wing – Told for young children, this book includes stickers, so you know you’ll have their attention!

What’s the Big Deal About Elections, by Ruby Shamir – This book is full of fun facts and trivia about voting. It also goes into why it’s important!

The Electoral College: A Kid’s Guide, by Cari Meister – I need this one for me! This book is geared towards middle grade kids and explaing what the electoral college is and how it works.

If I Ran for President, by Catherine Stier – Kids will learn a lot about being President in this book…not only what the office entails, but what goes into running a campaign.