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Learning about politics and the presidential election

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Just in case you missed it, what with football season and all, there is a presidential election going on. If your child is interested in current affairs there are some informative books that can help explain the election process and teach about the candidates.

“Cartoon Nation presents Political Parties” is a brief fun look at our political system, with an emphasis on the history of political parties in our country. It explains some complicated issues such as the Electoral College with a breezy cartoon style. The book is written by Michael Burgan, with illustrations by Charles Barnett III that really make this book what it is.

Why not have some fun helping your child invent their own political party? Let your child pick a mascot and write a party platform. Have a convention and take turns giving speeches in the living room. This is good public speaking practice for everyone, and the videos can be loads of fun.

With a combination of history and interesting facts, “The Presidency,” written and illustrated by Christine Taylor-Butler, is a great first book about our highest office. There are photos combined with a graphic presentation that make the book accessible to children with different reading levels.

If there is something in this book your child is curious about you can help them do more research, online or at the library. Did your child ask about the White House or about John Adams? Find more information and continue your exploration.

Here are two biographies that can help your child learn about the candidates.

“John McCain: An American Life,” by Spencer Williams, is the story of John McCain's life including his military service, his family life, and his political career in the U.S. Senate. It is dosed liberally with photos and is an easy-to-read chapter book.

In the same series, “Barack Obama: An American Story,” by Roberta Edwards, is the story of Barack Obama's life including his growing up years, his early career, his life as a state senator and later becoming a U.S. senator. It has illustrations by Ken Call and also has photos.

If your child is interested in this election process, perhaps they will want a few more projects. They could conduct a poll of neighbors and friends and compare it to other polls, both local and national, available at www.cnn.com.

If they have a favorite candidate you might want to take them to that candidate's headquarters to get a button to wear or a sign they can put in your yard.

But what if they don't agree with your views? Politics being what it is, that is pretty common. Since they can't vote anyway, I usually just tell children why I feel a certain way and give them respect by letting them have their own opinion. In fact, now that my children can and do vote, I do the same thing. But ultimately that is a question you will have to answer for yourself.

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