The Model President
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
Junior inventor Millicent Madding is running for sixth grade class president against the popular and fashionable Fiona at Winifred T. Langley Middle School. Millicent, a smart and creative candidate, is determined to use her intelligence and inventions to make positive changes in the school. However, Fiona, a fashion-obsessed model, turns the election into a fashion show, promising free makeovers for votes, which gains her a large following. Despite the odds and the school's obsession with fashion, Millicent is resolute in her campaign to win the presidency and implement her vision for the school.
Age
8-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the president in the story feels when making important decisions?
What qualities do you think make someone a good leader?
If you were the president for a day, what would you do to help people?
How can we help people in our own community, just like the president in the book?
Why do you think it's important for a president to listen to others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely without interrupting. Ask them to elaborate on their ideas and relate personal experiences to the story. Praise their insights and link them to real-life examples of leadership and community help, enhancing their understanding and empathy. Use this discussion as an opportunity to instill values like responsibility and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The story portrays the main character who steps into a leadership role, making tough decisions for the betterment of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative in group settings such as school projects or family tasks, understanding the importance of being responsible and making decisions that benefit others.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character demonstrates honesty in various situations, which earns him respect and trust from others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the practice of honesty in their daily interactions with friends and adults, learning that truthfulness strengthens relationships and builds trust.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The narrative includes diverse characters and shows the president interacting respectfully with them, highlighting the importance of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures at school or in their community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book illustrates the protagonist analyzing problems and coming up with strategic solutions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to approach challenges with a thoughtful mindset, whether in academic tasks or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of collaboration
Explanation: The president often collaborates with others to achieve common goals, emphasizing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in team settings, recognizing that combining efforts with others can lead to greater achievements and solutions.