Max for President by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Knopf, 2004
I read this to a group of first graders just before the election. My quick pre-reading designated this books as instructive and straight-forward, "here's how we vote" book. I was delighted but unprepared for how much the children loved this little story.
Max, a boy, is running for class president and Kelly, a girl, also decides to run. Both children make posters and hand out buttons and campaign with their plans to improve the school.
When Max outlined his platform, many of the boys cheered. Then the girls clapped when Kelly spoke. Then I heard the little voice at my feet that softly said, "I wish they both could win."
Aww..
When is was clear that Max had NOT won, another voice suggested, "He could be vice president," anticipating the direction of the story.
I was honestly moved when the children all clapped and whooped as I finished. Both Max and Kelly work together to make their school a better place. The children were totally engaged by Krosoczka's expressive illustrations. The children were, clearly, drawn to these characters and identified with them.
What a little treasure.
This was the first Krosoczka book I've had the honor to read aloud. I cannot wait to read more of his books to kids.
Clever lad, that Jarrett.
7 comments:
I can't wait until you meet Punk Farm!
This sounds like a great way to introduce voting to young kids. I wish I had known about this book before the election. It have been good for my daughter to read. I guess we can still read it to help her understand.
I am new to book blogging and thought I would drop by and say hi.
Bill--I love Punk Farm! I haven't had the pleasure of using it for a read aloud yet but I've watched Krosoczka read it to a group of cheering kids!
Hello BookScoops!
Welome to the kidlitosphere!
Don't you just love when the kiddos spontaneously clap at the end of a story. Will lok for this book, sounds fun.
never heard of this--thanks!
I also wish I'd heard about it before the election, since this was the first year my son was old enough to be interested. Of course, now we are doing post-voting prop 8 protests, which would probably take a whole 'nother book. ;-)
I will have to add this one to my election books! Thanks!
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