See How They Run

See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House is a nonfiction book written by Susan E. Goodman and Elwood H. Smith. This is an informational book that teaches readers about the history of our country's voting process and all things about the election process.

This informative book includes information about how we became the democratic country we are today alongside fun pictures and sidebars. We learn all about the different political parties, how voting happens, how campaigns work, and all the dirty tricks used by politicians.

The genre is nonfiction because it is teaching readers about the campaign process using facts from the real world. The facts in this book and clear and no information is one sided. The books is laid out clearly and we are able to travel through each part of the political process with ease. The illustrations used help enhance the reading and extremely reader friendly. The terms used may seem a little advanced for certain readers but the author includes a glossary to help explain the terms that may be more advanced.

Activity:

Have a discussion with students about problems they think are going on in the community. Let them know that even though they cannot vote yet they still have a opportunities to make a difference. The class could plan to volunteer somewhere in the community or write a letter to city officials about said problem.

After reading the book have students go back and find one example of when an idea by a politician was put into action and made an overall good impact on the world or community. Have students explain why the action worked and who made it possible.

Reader Response Questions:

Do you think it is important for everyone to vote?
When is election day?
Besides the democratic party and the republican party what is the third party?

This book is a great way to teach young readers about the process of elections and how our presidents come into office. This book encourages readers to vote someday and shows how important each one of us can be toward the country.

Similar books include:

Vote! by Eileen Christelow

A Kid's Guide to The Voting Process by Tammy Gagne

Susan E. Goodman and Elwood H. Smith have worked on two other books together as well.

The Truth About Poop

Gee Wiz! It's All About Pee

Goodman, E. S., & Smith, H. E. (2008). See how they run: Campaign dreams, election schemes, and the race to the white house. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books

Goodman, E. S. (n.d.). A Teacher's Guide to Classroom Activities. See how they run lesson plans.  Retrieved from http://www.susangoodmanbooks.com/?page_id=2456