For Librarians

Books to Share with Kids on Presidents’ Day that Emphasize the Democratic Process

By on February 17, 2025   /   Articles, Common Core & NGSS, Curriculum Tie-in, Fiction, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, Nonfiction  

Presidents’ Day serves as a reminder of the role of the president and the foundational values of our democracy. Today and every day, it’s important to teach children about the responsibilities of leadership, including checks and balances and the democratic process.

Here are some books for kids that focus on the presidency, as well as how the democratic process works.

Ellie May on Presidents’ Day by Hillary Homzie

For younger readers, Ellie May on Presidents’ Day provides a relatable way to explore the presidency. I think this is a particularly fun and informative book for younger readers. (True Confession: I wrote this story). While it’s a chapter book, it’s also perfect for reluctant readers who are fourth and fifth graders. In this story, Ellie May learns about presidential qualities and how important it is to have strong, compassionate leadership. This story introduces kids to the idea that the president’s role is not just about authority but also about service to others.

For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster

This book is a great way to get older elementary school as well as middle school students thinking about the democratic process and the roles that various government branches play. Foster breaks down the complex relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. By highlighting how the system works together to ensure fairness, the book promotes the idea that balance is vital to preserving freedom and justice.

So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George and Illustrated by David Small

This timeless picture book offers an entertaining and informative look at the quirks and qualities of past presidents. The engaging writing and vibrant illustrations by David Small make it a fantastic starting point for kids of all ages, including upper elementary school students. It introduces young readers to the many responsibilities of the president, including the challenges of leadership, while also celebrating the diversity of presidential experiences.

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

In this fun and imaginative story, a middle schooler runs for president. The book can help young readers gain a better understanding of what it takes to run a campaign. In a humorous style, the book demonstrates how democratic elections function. It points to the fact that anyone can make a difference and how it takes more than blind ambition to lead

Speaking of America by Jared Cohen

This book offers a deep dive into American history, values, and the evolution of leadership, especially focusing on the office of the president. Cohen’s exploration of key moments in American history illustrates how the presidency has influenced the country. It’s an excellent resource for helping kids understand how presidential decisions shape the nation, especially in times of national tension or transformation.

By sharing these books, teachers, librarians, parents and caregivers can help foster a deeper understanding of the democratic process. So as we celebrate Presidents’ Day, let’s remember that the presidency is not just about one individual—it’s about the collective efforts of all Americans to ensure that democracy continues to thrive for generations to come.

Hillary Homzie is the author of the Ellie May chapter book series (Charlesbridge, 2018), Apple Pie Promises (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2018), Pumpkin Spice Secrets (Sky Pony/Swirl, 2017), Queen of Likes (Simon & Schuster MIX 2016), The Hot List (Simon & Schuster MIX 2011) and Things Are Gonna Be Ugly (Simon & Schuster, 2009) as well as the Alien Clones From Outer Space (Simon & Schuster Aladdin 2002) chapter book series. She’s also a contributor to the Kate the Chemist middle grade series (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House). And her nonfiction picture book, If You Were a Princess: True Stories of Brave Leaders From Around the World is a look at historical and current princesses from many diverse lands who have made their mark (Simon & Schuster, August 2022). During the year, Hillary teaches at Sonoma State University. In the summer, she teaches in the graduate program in children’s literature, writing and illustration at Hollins University .She can be found at hillaryhomzie.com and on Instagram, and her Facebook page 

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Keeping Your Middle Grader Engaged with Reading: Five Practical Tips

By on January 30, 2025   /   Articles, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers  

If you’re a parent or guardian raising a middle grader, you might find yourself worrying about their reading habits. Rest assured, there are many ways to keep your child immersed in the world of words, even as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

Before middle school, your child might have been an avid reader, eagerly visiting the library and happily tackling writing assignments. But as they grow older, even a relaxing beach read can become a challenge. As their interests shift, it’s the perfect time to introduce new genres and learning activities. Their minds may be on a rollercoaster, but their hunger for stories remains.

Here are five ways to keep your adolescent reader engaged and curious about words:

1. Keep Up the Library Visits
Libraries are treasure troves of resources and activities for teens. Many offer special clubs, summer events, and interactive sessions designed just for them. If your child feels “too cool” for these, find a compromise. Drop them off for an hour with no expectations. They might discover a friend to join them or stumble upon an activity that piques their interest. The key is routine. From reading books and magazines to engaging with librarians or learning a craft, there’s something for everyone at the library.

2. Reinvent Pen Pals
Writing to someone far away can be a fun and meaningful activity. Encourage your child to write letters or postcards to relatives or friends in other countries. This not only hones their writing skills but also broadens their cultural horizons. Establish a routine to make it a regular activity. Avoiding textspeak is crucial, so partnering with someone older or from a different culture can be a rewarding experience.


3. Start or Join a Book Club
Book clubs provide a structured way to keep up with reading. The anticipation of discussing that unexpected twist in chapter six can motivate even reluctant readers. Check out local libraries or bookstores for organized clubs, or start one with other parents. Letting your child choose the book can make them more invested in the experience. Plus, it’s a great way for them to connect with peers who share their interests.

4. Create a Reading or Writing Competition
Sometimes a little friendly competition can work wonders. Set up a reading or writing challenge with enticing rewards, such as a trip to the park, a bookstore gift certificate, or a backyard sleepover. The key is to make the prizes fun and family-oriented. This approach turns reading and writing into a game, making it more appealing and rewarding for your child.

5. Read Together
Set aside time for the whole family to unplug and read together. Whether it’s in the living room or on the porch, the simple act of sitting together while immersed in different worlds can be profoundly bonding. Consider selecting a book to read aloud as a family, which can spark discussions and shared excitement over the story.

Bonus Tip: Explore Audiobooks and Graphic Novels
For kids who might resist traditional reading, audiobooks and graphic novels offer an engaging alternative. These formats can reignite their love for stories and provide a different way to enjoy literature.

We’d love to hear about your adventures in keeping your middle grader engaged with reading. Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

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The Liberation of Lefties

By on January 22, 2025   /   Articles, Book Lists, Diversity, Fiction, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, kidlit  
Lefty book cover

I grew up as the youngest of five very ordinary children. Well, we each had our individual personalities, preferences, and idiosyncrasies, but we were mainstream in the obvious ways — like being right-handed.

 

So, when my niece’s son turned out to be left-handed, it was a source of great curiosity and excitement in the family. This trait was viewed as unique. Cool. Special. And then his sister turned out to be left-handed as well. Then two of my three grandchildren turned out to be lefties. The excitement was almost too much to handle!

 

A Book Called Lefty

With love for so many lefties, you can imagine my delight when I learned about the book Lefty: A Story That is Not All Right (Union Square Kids, 2024), with words by Mo Willems and pictures by Dan Santat. Oh, how I smiled. Well, the work of these two creators often makes me smile, but this was different. This book evoked images of some children who are very dear to me, so I smiled for a really long time. In fact, I’m still smiling.

Lefty book cover

 

The book opens with a question: “Did you know there was a time when you could get into trouble…really, really big trouble…for being left-handed?” The question is being asked by a left hand, held puppet-style, who happens to be speaking to a right hand.

 

The right hand is incredulous, as many young readers might be. But the book goes on to explain that left-handedness was once feared, maligned, and viewed as something sinister…because it was a variation from the norm.

 

While that might sound crazy to children who are free to use the hand that feels naturally dominant, it wasn’t that long ago when people were still forcing children into right-handedness. I remember this happening to a few friends from my childhood. The rationale was that life would be easier for them as a right-handed person. 

 

To my horror, I later discovered that in some communities, left-handedness was interpreted to be a sign that the child had been “touched by the devil.” When I first started teaching, I actually had students who referred to a left-handed classmate as “evil-handed.”

 

According to a 2015 Time magazine article entitled “How Lefties First Gained Acceptance,” the association of evil with left-handedness goes back to the Middle Ages. (Believe me, I did NOT start teaching in the Middle Ages. These attitudes hung around for a LONG time.) The article goes on to identify some very famous and highly-regarded southpaws, including Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama.

 

A book like Lefty can be very powerful in helping us normalize a trait that, according to the National Institute of Health, has belonged to 10% of the population dating back to the time of Neanderthals. This made me wonder….Are there middle grade books that celebrate left-handedness? Yes, there are! Here’s a sample of some literary lefties middle grade readers can enjoy.

 

Middle Grade Books Featuring Left-Handedness

 

The Left-Handed Shortstop cover

The Left-Handed Shortstop (Yearling, 1989) by Patricia Reilly Giff

When fourth-grader Walter Moles is assigned the role of shortstop in the big rivalry game, he’s overcome with the fear of failure. After all, there hasn’t been a left-handed shortstop since 1892! This book was published just a couple of years after one of my students was referred to as “evil-handed.” I hope that in its time, it found its way into the hands of some kids who needed it.

 

Choosing Up Sides cover

Choosing Up Sides (Viking Books for Young Readers, 2000) by John Ritter

Lefty Luke Bledsoe discovers that he has a talent for pitching. It’s the first time he’s felt good about being left-handed. That’s because Luke’s dad is a pastor who believes that the left hand is the side of Satan. This award-winning book evokes empathy for lefties as well as for those who struggle to balance family expectations with personal passions.

 

The Clue of the Left-Handed Envelope cover

The Clue of the Left-Handed Envelope (Simon and Schuster, 2004) by George E. Stanley

Left-handedness is right there in the title. It’s a clue to solving the mystery of who sent Amber Lee Johnson an anonymous letter. This chapter book is the first in a mystery series that will delight young readers while building a bridge to longer texts.

 

Little Lefty cover

Little Lefty (Bella Rosa, 2009) by Matt Christopher

Despite his small size, Bill Bailey can throw harder than anyone else on the team. He’s encouraged when he hears stories about “Little Lefty,” a small pitcher who made it into the big leagues. However, a freak accident puts Bill Bailey’s dream in jeopardy. Matt Christopher has pulled many reluctant readers into the world of books with his sports stories, and it’s great to know that this one features a left-handed protagonist.

 

The Left-Handed Fate cover

 

The Left-Handed Fate (Henry Holt & Co., 2016) by Kate Milford

Lucy and Max try to end the war between their home country of England and Napoleon Bonaparte’s France. But then the plot thickens when their ship, The Left-Handed Fate, is taken by the Americans. Some exciting historical fiction with a twist of left-handedness makes for a highly engaging story. (And for some added trivia, Napoleon Bonaparte happened to be a lefty.)

 

Literary Liberation

How lovely to live in a time when lefties are liberated! And how wonderful to know that literature can build a sense of belonging by featuring characters and situations that help us become comfortable with our differences. In a world that finds solace in sameness and order in the ordinary, may we continually look to literature as a means of dispelling fear and building empathy.

Do you know of other middle grade books that feature left-handedness? Please share them in the comments! And remember to share all of these books with young readers who might identify with the characters, grow in empathy, or just simply enjoy a good book.

 

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