Civics and Our Government

A young girl worries that no one will buy the Chinese foods made by her family, especially on the fourth of July — the most American of holidays. Bold colors and shapes convey the child's changing emotions and loving family in this very warm and realistic story.

Counting up from one stuffed piñata to ten hefty hens — and always counting on each other — children are encouraged to recognize the value of their community and the environment. A broad and inspiring vision of diversity is told through stories in words and pictures. 

An A-to-Z tour of the American electoral process., including B is for Ballots, C is for Conventions, D is for Debates, F is for Fundraising, G is for Grassroots Efforts, and, most importantly Y is for You teaches kids that everyone has the power to make a real difference in their government.

As Jenny rides her bike through town on the Fourth of July, she sees the townsfolk preparing for the parade, fishing, showing off newly acquired citizenship papers, and enjoying a picnic. The mayor gives her speech, and the parade begins: "Let the celebration start! / Everybody plays a part." Jenny ends her day in the park watching fireworks with her parents. Information about the first Fourth of July, the first U.S. flag, the national bird, and the Liberty Bell is appended. [Booklist]

Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school — at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together — asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts.

Imagine the funny and terrible consequences of everyone doing his own thing! Children and adults alike will enjoy this precautionary tale with its concise rhyming text, and amusing illustrations.

This cheery picture book emphasizes the importance of community, describing the different facets of one particular suburban neighborhood. A multiethnic group of young friends — Nick, Pedro, Yulee, Sally, and others — take part in activities together as they prepare for a street fair to raise money for the local library. 

Dorothy became a librarian to share her love of books and reading. How she started a library service first on a bookmobile and later inspired a building — touching many lives in her North Caroline town — is based a real person that the author knew. Gentle language and soft illustration present Miss Dorothy's story and the impact of one individual.

Two children start to plan their community garden while snow is still on the ground. Come spring they "plant a little seed or two...or more" and wait. They work and wait until the harvest and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) with neighbors. Illustrations in vivid color and strong line paint the garden, its visitors, and the dedicated gardeners.

In the style of "The House That Jack Built," Diane Gonzales Bertrand offers a lively picture book that tells the story of a community coming together to build a park for the town. The story highlights key vocabulary words in English and Spanish with matching pictures, making it an excellent read-aloud choice for young children learning comprehension and predicting skills in either language.

Two children aroused by their parents join a march for equal rights. Short sentences and semi-abstract illustrations convey the children's evolving feelings as they join scores of others in what adults recognize as an historic march for civil rights.

This multicultural narrative brings 12 families together in celebration of the naturalization ceremony where individuals take the oath of allegiance to the United States and become citizens. Each double-page segment is devoted to one family as fathers, mothers, children, and other relatives prepare to leave for the court in lower Manhattan. After each receives a certificate and recites an oath, the judge announces: "Welcome. We are glad to have you. This is a very important day."

Elections are anything but dull, and participation is very important in a democracy. Just consider what it must be like in places where citizens can't vote! This playful introduction to presidential elections provides a brief history of voting in the U.S. (including the "chad story") and encourages young people to get involved.

Here are the stories of 10 leaders who strove to win the right to vote for American women--a journey that took more than seventy years of passionate commitment. From well-known figures, such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth to lesser known women such as Alice Paul and Mary Church Terrell, these are heroes who dreamed big and never gave up.

Celebrate the birthday of the United States with food and fun while learning the history and meaning behind the various festivities. Elegant, crisp color photographs are sourced as is the information provided in this examination of an all-American day.

There is a garbage-filled, vacant lot on the street where Marcy lives. Instead of growing flowers in coffee cans like they usually do each spring, she and her friend Miss Rosa decide to plant a garden there. Their enthusiasm and energy spread and everyone in the neighborhood joins together to create an urban oasis. (From School Library Journal)

A 10 year old girl narrates this fictionalized story, based on real events and people, of how her rural southern town builds a new school for African American children with the help of Julius Rosenwald (then president of Sears Roebuck).

Women could not attend college, enter politics or vote when the United States was established. Over time, however, because of the work started by many women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her friend, Lucretia Mott, contemporary women can vote, work and more. Vivid language and dramatic illustrations present the early trailblazers and their work. Additional information concludes this slim but informative volume.

A poetic narrative charts the history of voting rights in the United States from the founders to the present, emphasizing that 'A right isn't right / Till it's granted to all.' 

When Woodrow Wilson was elected President, he didn't know that he would be participating in one of the greatest fights of the century: the battle for women's right to vote. The formidable Alice Paul led the women's suffrage movement, and saw President Wilson's election as an opportunity to win the vote to women. She battered her opponent with endless strategic arguments and carefully coordinated protests, calling for a new amendment granting women the right to vote. 

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, share what they learn when they visit the White House in Washington, DC. Photographs and comic cartoon illustrations combine for an informative, informal, and lighthearted introduction to the Presidential mansion.

A girl and her mom want to have a sweet treat on a hot day but cannot sit at the soda fountain simply because they are "colored." Impressionistic paintings soften the harshness of the story of segregation in the South during a turbulent time.

A book about activism and taking the big steps to set things right, using examples of people throughout history who have taken "giant steps." Despite the challenges, even the smallest step can change the world.

An inspired teacher, the discovery of the fact that all U.S. Presidents (so far) have been male, and a tenacious girl provide the basis of a satisfying, surprisingly plausible story that explains the voting process in this country — including the Electoral College.

Realistic watercolors present the summer celebration a boy shares with his family on the 4th of July. The day's activities range from a pet parade and games to a barbeque and concert. The patriotic performance concludes with fireworks, after which the family returns home, tired but happy. The story is inspired by an actual community gala.

Meet the Statue of Liberty. She came from across an ocean like many of the people she continues to welcome; that’s why her right foot is mid-stride, of course. Strong graphics and factual but timely, tongue-in-cheek text presents Lady Liberty as never seen before.

A look at the legislative process, from drawing up a bill and committee discussions to voting and signing a bill. Kids will learn about the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Capitol building.

An introduction to one of the first leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, who became a prominent minister and an inspiration to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the nation. Born in segregated Daytona, Florida, in 1899, Howard Thurman grew up dreaming of a better life a life where his mother and grandmother would not have to cook and clean for other people; a life where he could become a college man, honoring his late father's wishes and his own dreams.

Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

Ida B. Wells worked bravely as an activist, educator, writer, journalist, suffragette, and pioneering voice against the horror of lynching. An inspiration for generations of civil rights crusaders, Wells's own words are used throughout this picture book biography to introduce young readers to this leader.

Children describe the basic duties of the U.S. President, from campaign speeches to lighting the national Christmas tree. Cheery illustrations, simple text, and the position's more pleasurable duties create a fine introduction to the office for younger children.

Meet Imogene Tripp, a plucky girl with a passion for history. So it’s not surprising that when the mayor wants to tear down the long-neglected Liddleville Historical Society to make room for a shoelace factory, Imogene is desperate to convince the town how important its history is. 

Fact and fiction, old and new styles of illustration, wit and seriousness combine in this pithy, lighthearted look at four luminaries in American history. Only mature readers will appreciate the title's name play but are sure to chuckle at the take on John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin. Fact is clearly differentiated from fun at book's end.

Brief sketches of the lives of both well-known (for example, Harriet Tubman) and lesser known African American women (for example, Biddy Mason) and their impact on civil rights are presented in the lively language of a storyteller sure to read aloud well. Vibrant, stylized illustrations enhance the evocative text to complete the thought-provoking portraits.

As she climbs the hill to the courthouse to proudly cast her vote for elected officials, Lillian recalls her African American heritage from enslaved great, great grandparents to a bridge in Selma. The large format supports dramatic illustrations that portray an independent, elegant, elderly Lillian. A note from the author describes the woman who inspired the fictional but timely story.

Diane Nash, a civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1940s. As a university student, she visited the Tennessee State Fair in 1959. Shocked to see a bathroom sign that read “For Colored Women,” Diane learned that segregation in the South went beyond schools—it was part of daily life. This is the story of how she decided to fight back, not with anger or violence, but with strong words of truth and action.

An inspiring story of the fight for women’s suffrage, based on the experiences of a real girl. Ten-year-old Bessie Keith Pond discovers that women can't vote when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage. Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes ― and maybe even big ones.

Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.

Cast your vote for Alice Paul! The story of a tireless suffragette and the president she convinced to change everything.

In this tender letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

The life story of Georgia Gilmore, a woman whose pies and delicious homemade cooking helped sustain the Montgomery bus boycott. Nicknamed "the Club from Nowhere," Gilmore along with a team of women risked their jobs to build a network wherein people from the community could financially aid the boycott through the purchase of her pies. he text emphasizes for young readers how important Gilmore's contributions were to the civil rights movement, including her work with Martin Luther King Jr. and her testimony in court on discrimination on buses.

The White House has hosted U.S. Presidents and their families which have often included First Pets. These have ranged from alligators to dogs with lots of other species in-between, all revealed here in lively language and humorous illustrations.

The friendship between Lafayette and Washington is dramatically told for sophisticated readers in a handsome picture book format. It began while the fledgling United States fought for its independence from Britain though it continued after the war. Additional information about the two men and the time in which they lived is included.

Explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. 

This book of poems introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers. You'll meet Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil; Ruby Bridges, the brave six year old who helped end segregation in the South; and And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create.

Meet the dynamic educator, activist, and politician Shirley Chisholm. Even as a young child growing up in the 1920s, Shirley Chisholm was a leader. She used her voice and leadership to fight for educational change, health care, women, children, students, poor people, farm workers, Native people, veterans, and others who were often ignored. In 1964, Shirley took her voice and leadership to politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to the New York State Assembly, and in 1968, the first Black woman elected to Congress. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to seek the presidency of...

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, famously said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." This biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation's democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid, and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct.

Anyone can be president, whether fat (William Howard Taft) or tiny (James Madison), relatively young (Teddy Roosevelt at 42) or old (Ronald Reagan at 69). Hobbies, sports, virtues, and vices all get a tongue-in-cheek airing in this fascinating collection of presidential trivia.

Lively language and energetic illustrations create a memorable portrait of a woman who was to become known as Sojourner Truth. She was "Big. Black. Beautiful. True." Just like her name. Further information and photographs of Sojourner Truth completes this dynamic, fictionalized biography.

The book follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.

Celebrate young climate change activists in this charming story about an empowered girl who shows up, listens up, and ultimately, speaks up to inspire her community to take action against climate change. After attending a climate march, a young activist is motivated to make an effort and do her part to help the planet... by organizing volunteers to work to make green changes in their community, from cleaning a lake, to planting trees, to making composting bins, to hosting a clothing swap and more! 

Susan B. Anthony lived and worked as a teacher when women were paid less for the same jobs performed by men and could not vote in any election. Her work and perseverance helped change the entire country and is presented in accessible language and simple illustrations that evoke the period. Resource notes are included.

Learn about the history of the American flag in this book from the True Books: American History series.

Mr. Tiffin’s students are learning how a bill can become a law and are eagerly brainstorming ideas to make their state a better place. Mr. Tiffin announces that whoever has the best idea will have the opportunity to present their bill to Representative Noor during their class trip to the state capitol. Jeremy believes that they should name an official state cookie. At first it seems like a brilliant idea—until his classmates begin to argue over cookie flavors and pick sides! The only way to settle the debate is with a class vote.

Read this book aloud to young readers to teach them about the United States flag, its history, and meaning. The short verse, historical tidbits, and realistic illustrations result in a brief, moving, and patriotic look at this American symbol.

The story of Jane Addams who transformed a poor neighborhood in Chicago by opening up her house as a community center. She was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize,

The jungle animals are tired of being ruled by the selfish king of the jungle, Lion. The animals decide to pick a new leader — one they elect themselves. Thus begins the process of protests, candidates, campaigning, slogans, debates, rallies, platforms, and eventually, a new leader. Who will it be? (Not lion, that’s for sure)

Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

In a question-and-answer format, proficient readers are quizzed about funny, interesting presidential trivia, to see if they can separate facts from "lies." 

The students of Stanton Elementary School learn how we can use our voices for change. Every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, Stanton Elementary School closes for the day. People can come from all over to vote for the people who will make laws for the country. 

How are dogs, alligators, sheep, cats, and a host of other animals similar? They've all been residents of the president's house as presidential pets! Comical illustrations combine with the often laugh out loud funny tales of pets in the White House.

America is a country rich in diversity.No matter what brought them here, each person embodied a unique gift—their art and music, their determination and grit, their stories and their culture. And together they forever shaped the country we all call home. 

In this visual celebration of the U.S. Constitution and America's founding fathers, Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens.

There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities were not allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case.

From a very young age, Barbara Jordan had a voice that stood out. The repeated refrain, “what can you do with a voice like that?” is answered as Jordan grows personally and politically. Even after retiring from the U.S. Congress, Jordan continued to use her voice to educate and inspire. Handsomely illustrated, this brief but informative look at the impact of one woman is highly readable. Additional resources are included.

From ballots to bonfires, from suffrage to stumping, this kid-friendly picture book filled with fun facts and historical trivia shows why voting is so important and why America gets to call its government a body of, by, and for the people.

Penny doesn’t know what POTUS means — she tries to figure it out while she’s with her mother at work. The fantastic surprise ending is that POTUS is the president of the United States and it’s her mom!

Small actions multiplied by lots of people equals big change! That’s the driving belief behind the social change movement We Are What We Do — and it infuses this lively, motivating book packed with action steps for younger readers. These thirty-one creative, original ideas are contributed by kids for kids — and each is guaranteed to have a clear and positive impact.

Fifty years ago well-known civil rights leaders came together with other lesser known but key individuals in Selma, Alabama. Events leading to breaking down the barriers to voting rights for African Americans are detailed through strong images and moving, well-documented narrative.

Underground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, a staunch proponent of women’s suffrage, lived during the same period in US history and actually met several times. Grimes richly imagines what they might have talked about at these meetings, contextualizing the period’s history and major events. Illustrations use strong lines and bold color to provide more than visual interest but also suggesting the strength of two remarkable women.

Nine months before Rosa Parks’ history-making protest on a city bus, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, high-school student, was arrested and jailed for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. Based on extensive interviews with Colvin and many others, this book presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.

What led up to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation? Who were the abolitionists and what was their influence? Primary source material and a crisp narrative combine to present a fascinating look at the events leading up to the Proclamation and the period in which it was created.

An illustrated handbook to active citizenship and our government, including the history of the founding documents, branches of government, political parties, and responsibilities of city, state, and federal governments.

Young people see a need and work to better their world in this upbeat chronicle of youthful activists.

This easy-to-read book for children explains the federal system as it works in the U.S. today, why the framers of the Constitution created the U.S. government in the 18th century, and the purposes it was designed to serve. Learn about the Legislative branch, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives; the Executive branch (the President with the Cabinet members); and the Judicial branch, comprised of the Supreme Court of the United States and the lower federal courts.

This fact and fun-filled look at female contributions to the American Revolution provides a serious but lighthearted introduction to a range of known and unknown women. Affable illustrations include thought and speech bubbles.

In simple, accessible language, this book describes how the Constitution was drafted and who the Founding Fathers were; provides a summary of all the articles, amendments, and the Bill of Rights; and explains why the document remains so relevant today.

Inspired by storytelling's oral tradition and through a mix of fictional first-person narratives, spoken-word poems, folk myths, gospel rhythms and blues influences, this picture book illuminates the dignity of sharecroppers in the rural South. Learn about America's struggle for civil rights as seen through the eyes of the children who lived it.

Over 100 well-known authors and illustrators have provided pieces to this fascinating compendium about the White House. An introduction by historian David McCullough sets the stage for the varied offerings by diverse contributors. This handsome volume is ideal for sharing at home or in classrooms.

The century-long struggle for women’s suffrage in the United States. In addition to its lively narrative, this history includes a time line, online resources, and hands-on activities that will give readers a sense of the everyday lives of the suffragists.

A lively introduction to voting, democracy, and activism for kids. Should an ancient monkey puzzle tree be cut down to make room for exciting new classrooms? In this spirited picture book, students must work together to come to an agreement—but it’s not as easy as it seems! The message of this book, which focuses on a student body’s divided opinion about an issue vital to its future, is that disagreements can lead to fruitful discussion, better understanding and great ideas.

 

When the U.S. Constitution was first written, many of the freedoms we now take for granted were not yet guaranteed. Many Americans feared that the government might someday take away these rights, just as the British had done when the American states were still colonies. That was when the people added ten new amendments to the Constitution, clearly guaranteeing many basic rights to all citizens. Those first ten amendments are called The Bill of Rights.

This new edition of the best-selling youth service guide includes a refreshed Ten Steps to Successful Service Projects  plus hundreds of up-to-date ideas for projects — from simple to large-scale.

A well-research picture book biography of Jefferson, with source notes for each quotation. Historical details and humorous illustrations blend to tell his story and legacy.

What do campaigns, candidates, polls, and the Electoral College have to do with voting for our nation's leaders? Readers decipher the complex electoral process and learn how to get involved in the next election.

An August day on the national Mall has been made famous by the powerful "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. But many others were there, too. Real and imagined voices from that day are presented in varied poems, bringing it into focus and reminding young readers that they "…can make a difference…[they] have a voice."

See the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. government in a new light with this bold, modern and accessible illustrated guide to the document that helped define democracy.

The Framers — 55 men from almost all of the original 13 states — argued fiercely for many months over what ended up being only a four-page document. Here is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the hotly fought issues — those between Northern and Southern States; big states and little one — and the key players such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington who suffered through countless revisions to make the Constitution happen.

Covering political history from the mid-1700s to the present day, this comic book guide uses humor and fast-paced panels to teach readers about how the office of the presidency was formed. 

Being a good citizen means standing up for what’s right ― and here’s just the way to start. From the author of The Gutsy Girl [354], this kids' guide to activism is the perfect book for those with a fierce sense of justice, a good sense of humor, and a big heart. This guide features change-maker tips, tons of DIY activities, and stories about the kids who have paved the way before, from famous activists like Malala Yousafzai and Claudette Colvin to the everyday young people whose habit...