My friend Sue (or more officially Susan E. Goodman) is the author of a large bookshelf of impressive children’s non-fiction books. She’s written about poop and pee and skyscrapers and cookies and 5 different books about the craziest field-trips ever taken. On a side note, she also bakes the most phenomenal biscotti on the planet, but I guess that’s not really relevant.
What is relevant is that Sue has written a new non-fiction children’s book about elections called See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House. The book is available today on Amazon! The book teaches kids about democracy, the electoral process, and how to become informed and involved.
Ok, plenty of adult political books are dry. I am with you. This book, illustrated by Elwood H. Smith, takes great illustrations, funny (and weird) facts, and mixes them in with the hows and whys of the election process. This book is not dry.
Here’s the best part: there are pages and pages about how and why kids can and should become leaders. Sue writes about a group of second graders who wrote a bill that made the ladybug Massachusetts’ official insect! She also writes about 7 year old Shadia Wood and Kids Against Pollution, who, after learning about a proposed bill that would clean up some of New York’s toxic waste sites, sold lemonade on the steps of New York’s state capitol building. Then, instead of heading to Toys R Us, they sent their profits straight to the governor to put towards the Superfund bill. After the press learned of Shadia’s efforts, the bill became law in 2003.
Want a few more examples of fun? While he was president, Calvin Coolidge lived with 10 different kinds of animals, including a pygmy hippo and a wallaby. Gerald Ford was a fashion model (hubba hubba). JFK was a jelly doughnut (or so he said in a speech in Germany).
You Can Help!
Sue writes a lot about kids getting involved. To help get kids thinking about the issues, she created the KIDS SPEAK OUT survey. With only 12 questions, the survey is a quick, anonymous, nonpartisan way for kids to share their opinions about voting and some of the problems facing our country.
The important piece here is that Sue is really trying to collect the opinions of the kids, not their parents or teachers or aunts or uncles. The survey is open to most school aged kids, but ideally, she is looking for third to sixth-grade participants. So, if you have a kid in this age range, are a teacher of kids in this age range, or know a teacher (or principal or guidance counselor) who has been talking about the election with their students, please spread the word. Pass on the survey and ask them to share it with their classes.
At long last: The Giveaway!
If you’d like to win a copy of See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House, just leave a comment on this post.* Tell us your approach to educating your kids about the upcoming election and politics in general. Is ignorance bliss? Is it the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
Please, share…
*The winner must have a “ship to” address within the US. A random winner will be announced on Friday evening, around 5 pm, EST.
21 responses so far ↓
Slouching Mom // May 13, 2008 at 11:52 am
Thanks for the recommendation, Megin! This sounds like a fun book.
My children are old enough to understand quite a bit about what’s been going on as we lead up to the Democratic convention. They know that we are supporting Obama, and they know that we will support Clinton if she ends up being the party’s nominee. They know that we want nothing more than to see the end of the Bush dynasty. And they know why. We believe in the whole truth.
Cecily T // May 13, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Hmm…V is only 10 months old, she’ll be about 16 months when we elect the next president. Currently, she spends a lot of time watching the Democratic primary results with her daddy, and listening to him ‘preach to the choir’ (aka Mommy) about why Obama should be the nominee. We took her with us to vote in the primaries, where the grandmas manning the voting ooh’d and ahh’d over her!
Francesca // May 14, 2008 at 6:09 am
I followed the Twittering and think that biscotti are entirely relevant! I love biscotti!
I actually love biscotti more than I love bipartisan politics but work to stay politically responsible in the existing system. My elder child was in the swing of things enough to be enraged (in a 4 year old way) that Bush got re-elected and I’ve been taking both children to vote with me since they were born. They’ve both had a chance to pull the lever (or now, push the insecure-feeling “vote” button on the computerized machines…) and talk about the process. D, in fact, is supporting Hillary Clinton since, as he says, “It’s about time we had a woman president.” It annoys him that in fact, the only vote in the family (mine) is going for Obama — although I love that we disagree and that he is sticking to his guns.
And now I’m twittering. Sorry. I rather wish I felt less jaded about the whole U.S. political machine. I hope that I am not passing that along to the children, but that — by voting, by talking, by thinking the process through as clearly as we can — we will raise active participants in the system. Because without active, educated participants, the system breaks down entirely.
Carolyn Bahm // May 14, 2008 at 7:24 am
I let my children hear me express my opinions, listen to theirs, and tell them more if mine differ. I also answer their questions. I’ve explained to them about the letters I’ve written to my legislators and web sites where they can do the same, too.
We tend to talk more about issues than the election, the candidates, and politics in general, but I think it would be useful to tell them more about the process itself. I just haven’t known where to start! I have a precocious 4th grader who would DEVOUR this book. :o)
Sheryl Sisk Schelin // May 14, 2008 at 7:25 am
What a fabulous idea. My 3rd grader and I have gotten in the habit (her idea, mind you) of turning off the radio on the drive in to school and — wait for it — talking. About anything she chooses. Guess what’s she’s wanted to talk about the last week? The election. She’s pretty well versed for an 8 year old - more than some grownups I know. Today she wanted to know more about why we invaded Iraq.
I’d love for her to read this book.
Brad P. from NJ // May 14, 2008 at 7:51 am
My wife and I have worked hard to raise politically aware kids. I don’t think it’s been very easy given the way that the political climate has become more and more divisive over the last 12 years. I think the hardest part has been tempering my own political ideals enough that my kids don’t feel compelled to be “just like dad”.
We’ve taken the kids to political rallies, to several “Meet your Representative” meetings, town council meetings, visited our Senator in DC, as many things as we can do. I’m hoping that the work we’ve been doing will keep them politically aware. I’m hoping they grow up more in line with my ideology. Frankly, though, I’m hoping that they grow up and remain politically active, regardless of their ideas.
Megin Hatch // May 14, 2008 at 8:11 am
Thanks for all of the comments.
I think this book is really valuable for kids who have politically active parents, because it helps continue an ongoing conversation, while bringing up the specific hows and whys.
Likewise I think it’s valuable to parents who are less active and aren’t sure how to talk about politics with their children. I just read a post by Steph, aka lawyer mama .
She’s writing about the impossibility (my word) of explaining this war. But talking about how change occurs? the youngest of the young can get that.
Thanks- really- for taking the time to comment.
-Megin
Lawyer Mama // May 14, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Ooh, this book sounds like fun! I heard about the survey. I just wish my kids were old enough to take it.
The politics thing is complicated in our house because I’m in a “mixed marriage.” I’m a Dem, he’s a Repub. We’ve agreed to refrain from fighting for the boys’ souls until at least 1st grade. But I admit that I cheat when I have them alone.
I always take our kids to vote with me and then we have a little discussion about why we vote. I have no idea how much is getting through, but I’m trying!
Muhammad Karim // May 14, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Ignorance isn’t bliss. I tell the kids in my family to always listen to what people are saying and to think about what they say. I sometimes do this with them and teach them how to ask the right questions, to not just take the word of what people say on TV.
I give them examples of themselves in their classroom or other environments with friends when they want to get people on their side… the things they would do in certain situations.
Bottom Line, I tell them to choose the person who DOES the most and the BEST work. This information is not always available on TV.
Laura Lorek // May 14, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Great ideas for children’s book. I’m glad I discovered “See How They Run” by Susan E. Goodman.
My third grader is a voracious reader and I’d like him to get involved with the kids’ survey. I’ll tell him about it after school.
No need to giveaway this book to me, I’m off to Amazon.com to buy a copy right now.
Thanks,
L.A.
Gretchen // May 14, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I’m not a parent, but do have 9 nieces and nephews. I’d love to share this book with my brothers and sisters to encourage them to educate their children while they’re still young. That’s something I feel I missed out on and wish I knew more now.
I’ll also send the survey to my educator friends. Thanks!
Christie Goodman // May 14, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Of course I take my kids with me when I vote and I talk about how things are different now in the U.S. for women and people of color. I look for opportunities to talk about these issues.
Lately, I’ve been talking with my oldest girl (age 7) about how we could have our first woman president or our first African American president. She’s fascinated by Martin Luther King, btw. She’s also very concerned about the war in Iraq since some friends and classmates have had family members there.
With her Girl Scout troop, I’ve had the girls use different ways of voting for things that matter to them, like which badge to work on next. They like the secret ballot in a box method best.
We’ve also participated in the local March of Dimes fundraiser walk. Last year, there were protestors from PETA. Even though I disagreed with their message, I had some deep discussions with my daughters about the right to protest, good ways and bad ways of protesting, why sometimes you have to break the rules, etc.
This book sounds wonderful. Can’t wait to take a look.
Mary Anne Davis // May 14, 2008 at 2:56 pm
My 13 year old son has been pulling the lever at the polling booth since he was tall enough to reach it, same as my mom did for me. He is aware of the issues to some extent, but I would love an inspiring book to further the conversation and help build in him the confidence to consider leadership a calling. Thanks for promoting this book here. I am going to buy it.
Shashi Bellamkonda // May 14, 2008 at 4:21 pm
When we became US citizens a few years ago the first thing we did was to to go the Post office from the Immigration office and register to vote. Thats the example we set for our kids.
In general teachers seem to influence the kids but we encourage our kids to read newspapers and magazines. The message is that politics will become a messy subject unless you are involved.
Shashi
Kari Follett // May 14, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Oh yeah, my kids have totally picked up on the fact that we had a “dont blame me, I voted for kerry” sticker on my car. My oldest is 12 and she wishes she could vote. The younger two are still learning but I’d love to have a guide to follow when discussing politics with them. Thank yoU!
Susan Goodman // May 15, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hi Everybody–It’s been fun to lurk on the site for the last few days, looking at all your comments. Sounds like, according to the research I did for my book, you all are doing what needs to be done to raise active, involved voters. Costa Rica has 95% voter turnout, for example, and their voting is a family affair where parents always take their kids to the polls. So grab your kids and take ‘em–we sure have to do something.
Meanwhile, don’t forget the survey at http://www.seehowtheyrunbook.com.
Thanks!
Upside Up // May 16, 2008 at 7:22 am
I’m so excited to see this book. My 5.5 yr old twin girls are obsessed with this election and were TRULY upset with me that I didn’t vote for the girl. Thanks to them, I had to work hard to clarify my reasons I wasn’t voting for her — so I could explain it to them in a way that made sense, even if it didn’t convince them to change “their vote.”
They have come with us to vote since they were in Baby Bjorns, and we talk a lot about the different candidates (as well as past presidents). Also, they got the book “Grace For President” at their school’s book fair a few weeks ago and not a day has passed without them reading it or asking us to read it to them. We love that book.
Also? Schoolhouse Rock on DVD. Have watched the 19th Amendment spot many times!
Thanks for the ping, Megin. I’m glad to be in the loop!
Good luck with your book Susan. Hope you sell billions!
Katrina // May 16, 2008 at 11:45 am
Sadly, my kids live with their father the majority of the time, but when they’re with me, I let them hear my opinions on things and allow them to express their own opinions. I try to answer any questions they might have and when I don’t know the answers, we go looking for them!
Michele // May 16, 2008 at 4:09 pm
What a fun book! I think it is important when talking to kids to distinguish facts and opinions. Politics is one area to realize everyone has and is entitled to their own opinions.
Megin Hatch // May 16, 2008 at 7:45 pm
These are inspiring comments. Thanks to all of you for jumping in and sharing your views with us.
Brad P. from NJ has been selected by our very high tech fancy number generator.
(On the off chance that I haven’t heard from Brad by the end of the day on Monday a new winner will be selected.)
***Let’s keep the comments going, and please remember to show your kids the KIDS SPEAK OUT survey!***
More Giveaways Around The Blogosphere « Multitasking Mama // May 16, 2008 at 8:31 pm
[…] Win See How They Run (election book for kids) - http://gnmparents.com/politics-and-kids-and-a-great-giveaway/ […]
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