Electing a President

Everyone's interested in the upcoming election, and the Library has some great books for kids on the subject AND a fantastic writing contest about it.

Books first - click on any title to reserve the book.

See How They Run by Susan Goodman


From the birth of democracy to the electoral college; from front porch campaigning to hanging chads. This is a new book that entertains as it educates.





How Do We Elect Our Leaders? by William D. Thomas


Describes how the president of the United States, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, and state and local officials are elected.





Voice of the People byBetsy and Giulio Maestro

A basic guide to voting and the electoral process.







A Woman for President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull
by Kathleen Krull

Do you know the first woman to run for president? The first woman to have a seat on the Stock Exchange? The first woman to own a newspaper? To speak before Congress? They were all Victoria Woodhull; this is her story.




And now for the writing contest! It's called: Dear Mr. President. Beginning on October 1st kids in grades K - 5 have a month to submit a letter describing what the new president should do during his four-year term. The letter should be no longer than 600 words and needs to include name, email address, phone number, grade and school. Submit to any branch library or email to: librarychildrensservices@cityofpaloalto.org. It must be received by November 4th at 9 pm; winners will be announced at the Afterschool special on Nov. 19th at 3:30 pm.