“Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio,
illus. by LeUyen Pham (Hyperion, 9780786839193, $15.99, 40 pages, ages 5 to
9)
When Grace’s teacher decorates the classroom with a big poster showing every
president in U.S. history, Grace has just one question: “Where are the
GIRLS?”
After learning that a woman has yet to become president, Grace can’t believe
it: Who’d ever heard of such a crazy thing? She gives the matter some
thought, and after thinking it over, Grace declares that SHE would like to
be president. Some kids laugh, but her teacher calls it “a star-spangled
idea.”
“Grace for President” is a fantastically illustrated new picture book that
tells the story of Grace’s run for the office of president—President of
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. LeUyen Pham, best known as illustrator of
“Big Sister, Little Sister,” provides pictures that have the sleek, vibrant
look of an animated movie, and Kelly DiPucchio tells a tale that’s both
exciting and educational: while readers follow Grace’s campaign for elected
office, they also learn how the Electoral College works.
Unopposed at first, Grace quickly attracts an opponent, a tough one: It’s
Thomas Cobb, spelling-bee champion, blue ribbon science-fair guy, and soccer
captain. When their teachers explain electoral votes and assign each student
a state—and that state’s allotment of votes—Thomas helps Grace to learn a
lesson in hard-knock democracy. You see, Thomas Cobb has figured out that
the boys in their school control just a few more votes than the girls, so he
only campaigns to the guys, and his posters even proclaim him “the best MAN
for the job.”
Meanwhile, Grace gets busy making good on all of her campaign promises NOW.
She joins the school safety squad; she organizes a school beautification
committee; and she volunteers her time in the cafeteria.
The story’s edge-of-the-seat climax comes on Election Day, when delegate
voting leads to a near tie: Thomas leads by one vote, with just one delegate
remaining—a boy delegate named Sam, that is. Sam casts the tie-breaking vote
as the representative of Wyoming, “The Equality State,” and he votes for
Grace, who is, he believes, “the best person for the job.” Enter Grace
Campbell, the first student president of Woodrow Wilson Elementary!
“Grace for President” is a thrilling, well-told story for young readers.
Even the book’s endpapers are great: the front flap shows Grace included in
a portrait gallery of notable U.S. presidents, the back flap shows Grace’s
head added to Mount Rushmore. Best of all is the book’s final image: Grace,
all grown up, being sworn into office in front of the U.S. Capital Building.
This is an awesome book with a great message and a timely lesson in
democracy. Vote Grace!
Review by
Mark David
Bradshaw, March 5, 2008
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