Democracy Begins at Home: Books to Teach Kids About Our American Government
by Sharon Holbrook
American politics has recently been, shall we say, eventful. Even so, research still shows that American adults have little knowledge of how our government works, with only one-quarter able to name our three branches of federal government.
Yikes! This is troubling, given that the whole point of democracy is to put ordinary citizens in the driver’s seat of governing the nation. Furthermore, if we grown-ups don’t understand our government, how will our children? How will they become equipped to become engaged, active citizens?
Here are some books that we can read together to begin to pass the torch of democracy and liberty on to our kids. (And maybe, just maybe, we grown-ups can learn a thing or two as well.)
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The President
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What Is the President’s Job?
With younger kids, it helps to start with the concrete, and the most recognizable feature of our government is our president. This nonfiction book for kids ages 5 to 7 gives a simple, straightforward overview of the president’s job complete with a vibrant layout and fun details about real-life presidents up through President Barack Obama.
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If I Were President
In this appealing picture book for preschool to early elementary age kids, the president’s duties are explained and colorfully illustrated with children starring as the president. It’s refreshing to see that boys and girls from a variety of ethnic backgrounds take their turn as president.
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Our Constitution
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We the People: The Constitution of the United States
Available from:This book by Caldecott-winning illustrator Peter Spier has something for everyone in the family. It begins with a richly illustrated Preamble, perfect for poring over together on laps. For the somewhat older child, a five-page history of the founding of the Constitution follows, and, finally, for middle schoolers and older, the book concludes with a complete copy of the text of the Constitution and its amendments.
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Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution
Available from:For the 7- to 9-year-old who loves a colorful history, pick up this lively retelling of the convention that brought about our Constitution. Mummies, rowdy prisoners, rumors, and secrets each play a part in this tale of that hot Philadelphia summer of 1787.
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Constitution Translated for Kids
I have to be frank: this isn’t just for kids. Travis sets out, side by side, the original (complex, old-fashioned) language of the Constitution and refreshingly clear translated versions of each section of it. Excellent additional information and activities complete this essential text for older elementary school kids and up.
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The Everything U.S. Constitution Book
For a highly readable deep dive into the Constitution and how it shapes our American system of government, this is the one to grab. Middle school and up.
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This Is Our Constitution: Discover America with a Gold Star Father
Available from:Famous for pulling a copy of the Constitution out of his pocket at the 2016 Democratic Convention, Gold Star father Khizr Khan offers an immigrant’s view on the importance of the fundamental freedoms awarded by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Offering complete texts, articles and sections broken down into simpler language, and powerful personal reflections throughout, This Is Our Constitution aims to help kids not only understand the Constitution, but appreciate and preserve its value.
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Civil Rights
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Knowing Your Civil Rights
This approachable nonfiction picture book is the perfect starter book to introduce your elementary schooler to the individual rights guaranteed to each of us by our Constitution. From the original Bill of Rights to amendments that extended protections and rights to women and people of color, Knowing Your Civil Rights provides an excellent overview.
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A Kids’ Guide to America’s Bill of Rights
This lively chapter book delves deeper into individual rights, and the controversies surrounding them. Middle schoolers and up will enjoy the vividly told examples, especially those (like school prayer) that revolve around kids. Know for discussion purposes that this book touches on sensitive, controversial issues including pornography and abortion.
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Congress
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The US Congress for Kids
The framers of the Constitution anticipated that Congress would be the most important part of our federal government. Now, Congress's workings seem both mysterious and frustrating to most of us. The US Congress for Kids effectively explains how Congress works, weaving in colorful history and engaging activities. Middle school and up.
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Overviews of American Government
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National Government (Kids’ Guide to Government)
We’ve talked about excellent books that touch on different parts of our federal government, but sometimes you just want someone to explain how the whole thing works as a whole. Despite its rather sleepy title and cover, National Government is a clear and enjoyable overview of our government for elementary schoolers.
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The Everything American Government Book
Like The Everything U.S. Constitution Book mentioned above, The Everything American Government Book excels at providing more in-depth information in an approachable way. For middle school and up, this is a fairly comprehensive introduction to our American system.
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After digging into these books, you and your kids will certainly be among those who know our three branches of government. (Okay, okay, I’ll tell you — they are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.) More than that, they’ll have an appreciation for how exceptional our democratic system is, and how important it is that we all play our part in upholding its protections and freedoms.
Have you come across any other great books about our system of government for kids? Share in the comments below!