Our Presidents: Their Lives and Stories (2012 Edition)
Presidents Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Updated to include the 2012 election results, this book includes biographies of each president since George Washington was first inaugurated in 1789. Readers will learn of the presidents' backgrounds, their political careers, the changes they saw, and the causes they championed. This is a wonderful resource on the past and present holders of the office of president of the United States.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
87 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which president’s story did you find most interesting and why?
What qualities do you think make a good leader? Can you see any of those qualities in yourself?
If you could ask any of the presidents a question, what would it be?
How do you think being a president might change a person's life?
Imagine you are the president for a day; what would you like to accomplish?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book as a gateway to discuss historical context and how presidential decisions have shaped the country.
Encourage your child to express their opinions on different presidencies, promoting critical thinking.
Relate the challenges faced by presidents to everyday problems your child might encounter, making the discussion more relatable.
Discuss the different leadership styles of the presidents and ask your child which style they think is most effective and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The book presents various U.S. Presidents and their leadership journeys, highlighting their decisions and responsibilities while leading the country.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility in their daily tasks and understand the role of a leader in making decisions that affect others.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: Each president's story includes challenges they faced and how they overcame them, demonstrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it’s completing a challenging homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Civic Engagement and Participation
Explanation: The book educates about the electoral process and the role of the presidency, encouraging an early interest in civic duties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in student council elections, or engaging in community service, fostering a sense of involvement and contribution in their communities.
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Context
Explanation: By exploring the presidencies in their historical contexts, the book provides insights into how past events shape present circumstances.
Real-World Application: This can help children to develop a deeper understanding of history in school and recognize the impact of historical events on current issues.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book covers a variety of presidents from different eras and backgrounds, emphasizing the diverse nature of leadership.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to respect and embrace diversity in their classrooms and communities, understanding that leadership comes in many forms.