Thursday, June 25, 2009

Madam President



Smith, Lane. Madam President. Hyperion Books for Children: 2008. ISBN: 9781423108467.


In this patriotic fiction story, Madam President, a freckled face fun loving little girl wakes up one morning, after reading a book about Presidents, and wonders what it would be like to be President. The spunky girl begins at breakfast with an executive order for “More waffles, please,” and proceeds to negotiate a treaty between a cat and dog before vetoing tuna casserole for lunch. Finally, at day’s end she is asked to contain a disaster area. The undemanding language allows young readers to begin to grasp the wide array of powers which belong to the Executive Branch. The colorful and animated illustrations of Lane add thoughtfulness to the day. Madam President’s facial expressions and wispy hair paint a picture of what she must be thinking of her ever-growing duties. In an “oval office” (bedroom) scene a collage of historical “artifacts” covers the floor; for any age, this collage would spark wonderful historical dialogue. This fast moving story makes the study of government just a little more kid-friendly.


Erin L. Schneider, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

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