6 Nonfiction Picks for President’s Day

Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama’s Inspiring and Historic Presidency, by Pete Souza
Pete Souza worked as the Chief Official White House Photographer for both of President Obama’s terms. He captured 1.9 million images during that time, of moments both in and out of the office. In this visual biography, more than 75 of those images give young readers a glimpse of what his presidency was like. With themes such as “Work Hard” and “Be Kind and Respectful,” each page showcases a moment in time, dated with a small description. At some times humorous, at other times moving, you will get a glimpse into the compassion of a president who shaped the political foundation of your child’s youth. It’s hard to pick a favorite page in this book, although the images with Obama’s family are especially touching. This is one picture book you’ll keep out on your coffee table all year long.

I Am Abraham Lincoln, by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos
As the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln was a leader focused on fairness and equality. It was during his Presidency that slavery was abolished, setting the stage for to show young readers of today what an activist can accomplish in a lifetime. His fight for social justice is at the heart of this book, showcasing lessons that are applicable in today’s political and social climate. This picture book biography will give your child a greater understanding of one of the more well-known presidents, and they’ll have a new appreciation for him every time they find a penny.

The Presidents Visual Encyclopedia, by Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff
Sized just right, this visual book covers our nation’s 45 presidents, from George Washington through Donald Trump. Vivid images paired with informative text makes for a great resource and discussion piece. This book not only features the presidents, but the first ladies as well. Bonus sections include content on the Constitution, presidential places and vehicles, and a helpful reference section. Young readers will enjoy looking at the pictures and older readers will be happy to have this book on hand as a study resource.

The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia, by Smithsonian Institution and Amy Pastan
When civics and student council start to pop on school schedules for middle grade readers, give them a better understanding of our presidential history and the process to becoming the nation’s leader. This fun trivia book, updated as recently as 2017, covers a multitude of facts on every president. The Smithsonian has an enormous collection of presidential artifacts and many images appear alongside the text for an informative and educational experience. Stump your family and friends, especially those history buffs, with the contents of this book.

Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents, by David Stabler and Doogie Horner
If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that each of us started out as kids in life (but not all of us grow up to become the president!). Many of us have shared in some of the same experiences our presidents did when they were children. This exploration into the lives of the presidents when they were kids proves that not even they were immune to bullies, broken legs, mixed families, mean classmates at school, and weird food obsessions. This non-fiction book is full of fun facts your kids can relate to, colorful illustrations, and interesting portrayals of presidents as more human than the legends they became.

Who Was Woodrow Wilson?, by Margaret Frith, Who HQ, and Andrew Thomson
As a child, Woodrow Wilson recalled the day Abraham Lincoln was elected president and had memories of the Civil War that broke out shortly thereafter. He was only four at the time and eventually grew up to become a notable politician, holding the title of President from 1913-1921. As the 28th President, he tends to fall into the middle of the pack for most kids, yet his presidency was during the crucial period of World War I. He went on the help establish a peace treaty and was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1919. He married his wife early on in his presidency and she became a crucial presence for President Wilson up until the end of his term. As part of the Penguin Who Was…Series, this is just one of many books providing great insight into individual presidents.