Civics and Our Government

Do you think things would be better if you were in charge? Duck thinks he can do a better job than Farmer Brown, but once in power he soon tires of the duties and responsibilities of leadership. So he decides maybe he's better off writing his autobiography – which he does on a typewriter that clever readers will recognize from another book by this talented team.

Pudding the snail and his animal friends give young children a charming introduction to democracy and how voting and elections work.

Parades are part of the fun of any Fourth of July celebration. Young readers are invited to join the fun of this down-home parade, told with a jaunty rhythm and rhyme. Animated illustrations literally parade across the pages to a sparkling conclusion.

This picture book explains the concept of choosing, individually, and as a group, from making a simple choice: "Which do you like better, apples or oranges?", to selecting a class pet, to even more complicated decisions, like electing community representatives. "If you don’t vote, you don’t get to choose." Backmatter includes information about the United States electoral process.

A universal story of a diverse community coming together to make a difference. All kinds of people working together, playing together, and living together in harmony makes a better village and many villages coming together can make a better world. 

A little girl does what all kids do at some point—imagines that she is the President of the United States—and cleverly introduces readers to the duties of the President.

The Cat in the Hat is back with Things 1 & 2 for a rhyming introduction to the steps in voting. The easy-to-read text with cartoon illustrations demonstrates the process of voting from start to finish.

Caleb's class is making projects that represent patriotism but Caleb can't think of a way to show what patriotism means to him. Besides, his dad can't come because he is away, serving as a soldier. Then when Caleb really starts thinking about what his dad is doing for the country, inspiration finally strikes!

The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. And each will do just about anything to win your support. Brag? Sure! Flatter? Absolutely! 

An in-depth look at the Reconstruction period through the life of one of the first African-American congressmen. John Roy Lynch spent most of his childhood as a slave in Mississippi, but all of that changed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Suddenly people like John Roy could have paying jobs and attend school. While many people in the South were unhappy with the social change, John Roy thrived in the new era. He was appointed to serve as justice of the peace and was eventually elected into the United States Congress.

In 1884, when men were the only people allowed to vote in national elections, Belva Lockwood took a bold but legal step: She ran for president! Though her campaign was difficult, Belva never wavered in her commitment to equality, earning the respect of many fellow citizens. A little-known but richly deserving American historical figure, Belva is an inspiration for modern-day readers.

The youngest daughter of civil rights leader Andrew Young shares a time when she and her two older sisters moved from New York to Atlanta to protest and ultimately change unfair laws. The narration is innocent and child-like — effectively describing what Jim Crow was and giving glimpse of the leaders of the period (including Martin Luther King, Jr.). Soft lined, textured illustrations evoke the time and its tenor while portraying people in a recognizable way. An end note provides additional information about the people depicted.

An A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitions of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation). From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style.

The life of early voting rights advocate, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, is presented in a compelling text and engaging watercolor illustrations.

A gentle tribute to Emma Lazarus, who wrote the sonnet "The New Colossus" that gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty.

How many justices sit on the Supreme Court? Or, how many branches of government make up our particular democracy? Starting with the Constitution (Number 1, of course!), to amendments passed thus far (27), to the number of senators in the Senate (100), Everyone Counts explains the processes, people and history of our government.

White House gardens started with John Adams in 1800 and continue with Michelle Obama. History and recipes for healthy food are presented in this attractive volume.

Hear the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women’s courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that “remembered the ladies.”

From citizenship to governance, learn the basics about how state and federal governments work.

Based on the true story of one family’s struggle for voting rights in the civil rights-era South, this story shines an emotional spotlight on a dark facet of U.S. history. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening — and sure enough, everyone is lined up at the town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn’t be more proud.

Discover the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.

The story of the first Black Medal of Freedom winner and a stirring account of one of the most memorable battles in Civil War history. William H. Carney vowed to never let Old Glory touch the ground, and despite several gunshot wounds, he was able to rescue the flag from the fallen bearer. Carney held the flag high as a symbol that his regiment would never submit to the Confederacy. The battle of Fort Wagner decimated the Fifty-fourth Regiment, but Carney’s heroism that night inspired all who survived.

This guide to making the world a better place is packed with inspiring ideas and tips for kids who want to know how to make a difference. Full of positive encouragement to find something you're passionate about and how to get started on making a big difference through small actions, thifact book for kids is a treasure trove of information and great advice.

Ida B. Wells was an educator, journalist, feminist, businesswoman, newspaper owner, public speaker, suffragist, civil rights activist, and women’s club leader. She was a founder of the NAACP, the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, the Alpha Suffrage Club, and the Negro Fellowship League. She wrote, spoke, and traveled, challenging the racist and sexist norms of her time.
 

Six children discuss what they would do if they were running for president, describing the election process all the way from making the decision to run to being sworn in on Inauguration Day.

The "beautiful 200-year-old mansion on 18 acres of land right in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.," is better known as the White House. It's where most, though not all, U.S. presidents have lived. Fun and fast, this lighthearted look at the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is presented in sound bites and illustrations reminiscent of political cartoons.

Since little is known about the real Amelia Simmons, the author invites readers to imagine what became of her after her father’s death. Amelia would become a “bound girl,” to work for others. She may have made an Independence Cake perhaps tasted by General George Washington! The colonial period is clearly imagined here in illustration and lively text, complete with a cake recipe.

Journals, letters and other primary sources were used to introduce "a few of the women who helped… make [the United States] a nation where everyone could pursue the happiness promised when America declared independence…" Line and wash illustrations enhance the brief entries of these intriguing but largely unknown women.

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world.

This brief introduction to two well-known U.S. Presidents presents similarities in their lives and presidencies on opposing pages. Illustrations are informative but cartoonish to suggest that this is a first look at these men.

An inspiring story of the fight for women’s suffrage, based on the experiences of a real girl. Ten-year-old Bessie Keith Pond discovers that women can't vote when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage. Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes ― and maybe even big ones.

Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

Cast your vote for Alice Paul! The story of a tireless suffragette and the president she convinced to change everything.

In this tender letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

The life story of Georgia Gilmore, a woman whose pies and delicious homemade cooking helped sustain the Montgomery bus boycott. Nicknamed "the Club from Nowhere," Gilmore along with a team of women risked their jobs to build a network wherein people from the community could financially aid the boycott through the purchase of her pies. he text emphasizes for young readers how important Gilmore's contributions were to the civil rights movement, including her work with Martin Luther King Jr. and her testimony in court on discrimination on buses.

The White House has hosted U.S. Presidents and their families which have often included First Pets. These have ranged from alligators to dogs with lots of other species in-between, all revealed here in lively language and humorous illustrations.

Explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. 

This book of poems introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers. You'll meet Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil; Ruby Bridges, the brave six year old who helped end segregation in the South; and And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create.

Meet the dynamic educator, activist, and politician Shirley Chisholm. Even as a young child growing up in the 1920s, Shirley Chisholm was a leader. She used her voice and leadership to fight for educational change, health care, women, children, students, poor people, farm workers, Native people, veterans, and others who were often ignored. In 1964, Shirley took her voice and leadership to politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to the New York State Assembly, and in 1968, the first Black woman elected to Congress. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to seek the presidency of...

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, famously said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." This biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation's democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid, and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct.

Anyone can be president, whether fat (William Howard Taft) or tiny (James Madison), relatively young (Teddy Roosevelt at 42) or old (Ronald Reagan at 69). Hobbies, sports, virtues, and vices all get a tongue-in-cheek airing in this fascinating collection of presidential trivia.

Lively language and energetic illustrations create a memorable portrait of a woman who was to become known as Sojourner Truth. She was "Big. Black. Beautiful. True." Just like her name. Further information and photographs of Sojourner Truth completes this dynamic, fictionalized biography.

Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor's family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.

What can I do to help save endangered animals? How can I eat healthy? What do I do if I'm being bullied? With information on problems both large and small, the author breaks down the concepts of health, hunger, climate change, endangered species and bullying, so that readers can understand the world around them, and how they can make a difference in their own lives, as well as in their communities and the world at largeIncludes photographs of real kids who are making a difference today and lists of ways to get involve.

After Frances Perkins witnessed the Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911, she decided to work to bring about new laws to give workers more rights and make workplaces safer. When she became Secretary of Labor for FDR―the first woman cabinet member―Frances had the opportunity to make real her bold vision of a country where no one was left out with the establishment of the Social Security program.

The inspiring story of a young girl named Cordelia whose relationship with her neighbor, the great suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, inspires her to a remarkable act of courage.

Read this book aloud to young readers to teach them about the United States flag, its history, and meaning. The short verse, historical tidbits, and realistic illustrations result in a brief, moving, and patriotic look at this American symbol.

The story of Jane Addams who transformed a poor neighborhood in Chicago by opening up her house as a community center. She was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize,

The jungle animals are tired of being ruled by the selfish king of the jungle, Lion. The animals decide to pick a new leader — one they elect themselves. Thus begins the process of protests, candidates, campaigning, slogans, debates, rallies, platforms, and eventually, a new leader. Who will it be? (Not lion, that’s for sure)

Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

In a question-and-answer format, proficient readers are quizzed about funny, interesting presidential trivia, to see if they can separate facts from "lies." 

The students of Stanton Elementary School learn how we can use our voices for change. Every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, Stanton Elementary School closes for the day. People can come from all over to vote for the people who will make laws for the country. 

How are dogs, alligators, sheep, cats, and a host of other animals similar? They've all been residents of the president's house as presidential pets! Comical illustrations combine with the often laugh out loud funny tales of pets in the White House.

America is a country rich in diversity.No matter what brought them here, each person embodied a unique gift—their art and music, their determination and grit, their stories and their culture. And together they forever shaped the country we all call home. 

In this visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and America's founding fathers, Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens.

Across several seemingly unrelated but ultimately connected actions, we watch how kids turn a lonely island into a community This book distills the fundamentals of citizenship into easy-to-digest concepts and emphasizes the importance of caring for others, accepting differences, and taking action to initiate positive change.

Lincoln's own words punctuate this overview of his life and times including lighter moments. Full color illustrations exaggerate Lincoln's physical features but complement the man's complexity.

From the Constitution to civil rights, from women's rights to the four freedoms, this picture book filled with fun facts and historical trivia shows how America got the nickname "land of the free." It’s a “free country”! Why? Because in America we're free speak our minds, choose our leaders and set the rules. Since way back when Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Americans have stood up for freedom again and again – but it wasn’t always easy!

There are so many rules in Zephyr's life — rules about when to wake up, keeping his room clean and how many pets he can have. But Zephyr is not the only one who must follow rules. Join Zephyr as he learns about various forms of government and how different communities make rules and form governments.

Find out what the Bill of Rights is and how it affects your daily life in this fascinating look at the history, significance, and mysteries of these laws that protect the individual freedoms of everyone — even young people.

This graphic biography tells the story of  the shy little girl became a child who questioned unfairness, who became a student who persisted despite obstacles, who became an advocate who resisted injustice, who became a judge who revered the rule of law, who became…RBG.

Terrell worked to gain equal rights for herself and other African Americans, and is best-known for her fight to end discrimination in Washington, DC, restaurants, buses, and hotels in the 1950s. 

With behind-the-scenes anecdotes of some iconic photos alongside photos with his family, colleagues, and other world leaders, White House Photographer Souza tells the story of a president who made history and still made time to engage with even the youngest citizens of the country he served.

Who was at the forefront of women's right to vote? What about so many others from diverse backgrounds—black, Asian, Latinx, Native American, and more—who helped lead the fight for suffrage? Gorgeous portraits accompany biographies of such fierce but forgotten women as Yankton Dakota Sioux writer and advocate Zitkála-Šá, Mary Eliza Church Terrell, who cofounded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), and Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, who, at just sixteen years old, helped lead the biggest parade in history to promote the cause of suffrage.

The story of civil rights icon Fred Korematsu's fight against Japanese American incarceration during WWII. The book explores the life of one courageous person who made the United States a fairer place for all Americans, and it encourages all of us to speak up for justice.

Susan B. Anthony wasn't even alive when the 19th Amendment was ratified. The truth is, it took millions of women to get that amendment into law. They marched! They picketed! They even went to jail. But in the end, it all came down to a letter from a state representative's mom. Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more, Messner explores the little-known details behind the fight for women's suffrage.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in America with this story of the little-known DC Women’s March of 1913. Learn about suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who met in a London jail and fought their way through hunger strikes, jail time, and much more to win a long, difficult victory for America and its women.

Growing up is never easy, not even when one is on a path to the White House. Though each of these guys grew up to become a U.S. President, each had regular kid problems like dealing with bullies and being a klutz. Humorously illustrated, each vignette reminds readers that those who became Presidents are not unlike themselves.

Pete Seeger lived a long life sharing his music and his convictions about equality with literally millions of people all over the world. He is presented here in well-researched, clearly documented and understandable language punctuated with photographs. Seeger’s life presents a glimpse at the history of the United States, ranging from Civil Rights to workers’ rights.

John Lewis, son of a sharecropper, grew up to become an activist and later, a U.S. Congressman. His life and crucial role in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement is dramatically presented in word and image in graphic format in three volumes (March: Book Two and March: Book Three). The story of the young John Lewis can be shared with children as young as four years in the picture book biography, Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis written by Jabari Asim, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

A funny, heartfelt chapter book that illuminates the election process while inspiring determined kids to work hard, as well as ethically, to achieve their dreams. The story will resonate with preteens navigating the ups, downs, and drama that come with the territory of many young girls' friendships.

Who was Arturo Alfonso Schomburg? He was an Afro-Puerto Rican man whose thirst for knowledge about his roots led him to collect and manage what would become a great library in New York City. Fluid language informs as handsome, realistic paintings illuminate the highlights of Schomburg’s life and contributions. A timeline and bibliography may inspire other young researchers and book lovers.

Learn what state governments do (such as creating a budget to work on roads, fund schools, and respond to emergencies) and the difference between state and federal governments.

This accessible guide contains the complete text of the Constitution, with short, descriptive margin notes throughout. Articles and amendments are then analyzed in depth to help you comprehend the basis of democracy.

A delightful march through our nation’s presidents, focusing on where they were and what they were doing at various points in history. Messner emphasizes that there are “presidents of tomorrow” already living among us today; the book ends with a call to future generations.

Learn about 25 groundbreaking protest movements that have shaped the way we fight for equality and justice today. For generations, marches have been an invaluable tool for bringing about social change. People have used their voices, the words on their signs, and the strength in their numbers to combat inequality, oppression, and discrimination. They march to call attention to these wrongs and demand change and action, from a local to a global scale.

Stirring poems and vibrant collage illustrations combine to celebrate the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of the Civil Rights and voting rights movements during the 1950s through the 1970s. Born in the Mississippi delta, the youngest of 20 children, Hamer had to drop out of school after sixth grade to work in the cotton fields before she became a powerful voice for her people. The book vividly brings to life Hamer’s legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

Fifty of the foremost diverse children's authors and illustrators — including Jason Reynolds, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kwame Alexander — share answers to the question, "In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?"

Discusses the duties of mayors, how they get into office, the responsibilities of local governments, working with the city council, and notable mayors.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s book on citizenship for young people now revised and updated for a contemporary audience. Beginning with government workers like firefighters and garbage collectors, and moving up through local government to the national stage, this book explains that the people in government work for the voter.

From the Constitution and the Gettysburg Address to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, the updated collection preserves the documents of the first edition and introduces the landmark statements that are impacting our nation today.

This biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton is as spirited as the women's rights pioneer herself. Who says women shouldn't speak in public? And why can't they vote? These are questions Elizabeth Cady Stanton grew up asking herself. The author imparts not just a sense of Stanton's accomplishments but a picture of the greater society Stanton strove to change.