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12 Books to Read for Presidents’ Day

Join us in observance of Presidents’ Day with the following titles from Calkins Creek, the American history imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers. From historical facts about our nation’s presidents to fun election stories, the books in this collection will educate and entertain young readers.

Did you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.

★ “Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative.”—Booklist, starred review

Download our free Discussion Guide!

America’s first female detective Kate Warne’s mission? Protect president-elect Abraham Lincoln from Southern rebels bent on assassinating him before his inauguration.

★ “[T]his is a lively choice for U.S. history or Women’s History Month displays.”
Booklist, starred review

Download our free HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Discussion Guide
Watch the HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Book Trailer
Watch author Beth Anderson talk about her new book

George Washington hated having his portrait painted, but as president of the United States, he knew his image needed to live on. This nonfiction picture book explores how artist Gilbert Stuart created Washington’s most lasting and recognized portrait—the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.

★ “A lighthearted, illuminating, and thought-provoking look at a brief but meaningful historical moment.” Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A Kirkus Best BookTHREE Starred Reviews! ★★★

Thomas Jefferson is one of the most famous founding fathers, but did you know that his mind was always on science? This STEM/STEAM picture book tells how Jefferson’s scientific thinking and method battled against faulty facts and bias to prove that his new nation was just as good as any in the Old World.

★ “A delightfully enlightening account and a welcome antidote to our own time’s precarious truthiness.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A Kirkus Best Book • Texas Topaz List • FOUR Starred Reviews! ★★★★

Download our free Discussion Guide!
Watch Beth Anderson talk Thomas Jefferson!

Rhythmic words and whimsical illustrations capture Thomas Jefferson’s passion for the written word as well as little-known details about book collecting. Here is the first picture book on Jefferson’s love of reading, writing, and books.

“This is a unique portrayal of the life and passions of the third president.”—School Library Journal

Young fans of the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” will enjoy this narrative nonfiction picture book story about the important friendship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War.

★ “This oversize, handsome package will introduce a little-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history through pithy words and often dramatic pictures. It respects its audience as well as the historically significant friendship it portrays.”—Booklist, starred review

A Society of School Librarians International Book Award Honor • California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Honor • Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year • Booklist Top Ten Biography for Youth

In this page-turner, award-winning author Gail Jarrow delves into the fascinating story of the relationship between James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and Charles Guiteau, who shot Garfield in July 1881. Jarrow relates the gruesome details of Garfield’s slow and agonizing death and reveals medical mistakes made in the aftermath of Garfield’s assassination, including the faulty diagnoses and outdated treatments that led to the president’s demise.

★ “Highly recommended…”—School Library Journal, starred review

Winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award • Kirkus Reviews Best Book • Grateful American Book Prize Honorable Mention • Texas Topaz listTHREE Starred Reviews! ★★★

Imagine a U.S. president on a camping trip. It seems unlikely today, but in May 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt dismissed his Secret Service men to go camping with John Muir, the world-famous naturalist. For three glorious nights and four days in California’s Yosemite National Park, the two men talked about birds, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, as well as the importance of preserving wilderness for future generations.

“An informative and enjoyable introduction to two of America’s early environmental champions and to the early history of our national parks.”—Booklist

A California Reading Association Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Silver Honor Book

Cleverly framed as a boxing match, this
book provides a fascinating and compelling look at an important moment in American
history.
When Woodrow Wilson was elected President, he didn’t know that he would be
participating in one of the greatest fights of the century: the battle for women’s right to
vote. The formidable Alice Paul led the women’s suffrage movement and saw President
Wilson’s election as an opportunity to win the vote for women.

“An engaging way of making history fun and relevant.” —Booklist

This picture book uncovers Abraham Lincoln’s passion for agriculture and his country as he cleared a path to better farming, improved transportation, accessible education, and most importantly, freedom.

★ “Why have another book about Abe Lincoln in your library collection? Because this one is special. [It] provides an excellent backdrop for studying various policies in the U.S. government that exist today. It is an impeccable book to introduce the figure of Abraham Lincoln and initiate more research into his life and legacy.” —School Library Connection, starred review

Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? Here’s a look at the president as he’s rarely seen.

★ “Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read.”—School Library Journal, starred review

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year • NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book • American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book

Tad Lincoln’s restless wriggle just wouldn’t quit, much to the delight of his father President Abraham Lincoln—but not so much to anybody else! This picture book is based on the famous
first son who, despite a disability and other challenges, had compassion, intelligence,
and wisdom beyond his years.

“A vivid introduction to Tad Lincoln…”—Booklist

2023 Young Readers Award Winner, Colonial Dames of America • Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year

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