Grace for President

Book review by Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media
Grace for President Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

School campaign tale explains U.S. democracy in fun way.

Kelly DiPucchio Picture Book 2007
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Parents say

age 5+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Grace for President, by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a fun, lively story of a mock presidential election in an elementary school. Even the electoral college is thoroughly yet simply explained for young readers. The two kid candidates run issues-oriented campaigns, and they never resort to mean tactics (though the boy, Thomas, gets a bit overconfident in his win and doesn't work as hard to reach voters). There's genuine suspense regarding the outcome, and readers will be swept up in the enthusiasm of appealing, democracy-loving Grace.

Community Reviews

Elysse M.
Elysse M. Adult
August 29, 2020
age 6+

civics education is not just about government--we also need kids to understand political campaigns

we've mostly all been brainwashed into thinking that anyone running for political office is self-interested and only in it to get access to more money. that kind of thinking contributes to lower voter turnout, which lets the obstructionists in Congress and the White House get away with decisions (or non-decisions) that are devastating for our nation's kids and communities. Grace for President is enthusiastic and shows the best side of America's system of political campaigns. if you want to raise a voter--and potentially a future candidate--check this one out!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
nais1
nais1 Adult
July 5, 2018
age 4+

awesome story!

this books gives a quick glimpse in to the electoral process and the ways in which each state's vote is weighed in the election of the US president. It also offers a chance to consider the ways in which women's leadership has been viewed in the US presidency through the eyes of a child who decides to run for office in her grade. spoiler alert--the best candidate wins with the help of a equity-minded kid's (state's) vote...the first state in the U.S. to give women suffrage.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, elementary school student Grace is shocked to learn that there have been "no girls" elected president in in American history. Her teacher decides to stage a school election for president to help the kids understand how American democracy works -- including the electoral college (with certain kids representing certain states). Grace runs against Thomas, a boy in another class. They campaign hard, making posters, buttons, campaign promises; taking polls; and noting a gender gap. Grace gives speeches at recess and holds rallies after school, while Thomas gets a bit overconfident, assuming he'll win because more of the electors are boys. Finally, the election comes down to one state. How will Wyoming vote?

Is It Any Good?

Our complex democracy is explained in a clear, kid-friendly way in this lively story of an elementary school presidential election. Grace is a passionate and appealing character, and Thomas is a worthy (if somewhat complacent) opponent. They both model enthusiasm for the electoral process without ever being mean to each other. How the electoral college works is explained simply in the story, and an Author's Note goes further into its history and purpose.

Grace envisions herself having a career in politics, and on the endpapers, she's pictured among the presidents on Mount Rushmore. This charming book may inspire others to make a difference in their community and run for office.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how American democracy is portrayed in Grace for President. How does the electoral college work?

  • Why do you think there's never been a woman president?

  • How is running to be class president different from running to be president of the United States? How is it similar to a national campaign?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love strong girls and American history

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