Presidents’ Day is a great reminder to teach students about how our government came to be and why elections matter. It’s important to supply your students with both historical fiction and nonfiction titles that discuss American History.  

From presidential biographies to books explaining the electoral college and why we have presidents in the first place, discover books to help kids learn more about the U.S. presidents and the presidency.  

1. Presidents
by Mary Bolinder

Interest level: K-2
What does it mean to be the President of the United States? This full-color picture book describes the president’s job duties, from signing bills into law to helping those in need. Presidents includes additional activities for young readers.

2. Why Do We Celebrate Presidents’ Day? 
by Patty Swinton

Interest level: K-2 
In just over 240 years of independence, the United States has had 46 presidents. What makes this job so important? Teach students about the history of this role when you share details about past presidents.  

3. Presidents’ Day 
by Erika S. Manley

Interest level: K-3 
What is Presidents’ Day and what are some of the different ways it is celebrated? Colorful photos will help emergent readers learn more about this historic holiday.  

4. Ellie May On Presidents’ Day
by Hillary Homzie

Interest level: 1-4 
This informational fiction picture book shares the story of Ellie May, a quirky second grader who loves learning about U.S. presidents but has yet to be chosen for flag leader. Students will giggle at Ellie May’s antics during the exciting week leading up to Presidents’ Day. 

5. If I Ran For President 
by Catherine Stier

Interest level: 1-4 
Join a multicultural group of kids as they imagine what it would be like to run for president. This fun and factual picture book will spark conversations among students about the election process. 

6. What Presidents Are Made Of 
by Hanoch Piven

Interest level: 1-5 
You’ve never seen the presidents quite like this — as mixed media collages! Artist and author Hanoch Piven “builds” 18 of the nation’s leaders out of anything from blue jeans to boxing gloves. Each president has an accompanying anecdote, adding whimsy to this helpful resource.

7. A President’s Job: Understanding Government 
by Seth Matthas

Interest level: 2-3 
Help your students understand how the government works and what the president is up to all day. Engaging text and colorful photos will equip the next generation to actively participate in the governmental process.  

8. President Joe Biden: America’s 46th President
by Rachel Rose 

Interest level: 2-5
Young students may wonder, who exactly is President Joe Biden? Share the 46^th president’s difficult journey to congress and then the White House. Students will be inspired by how Joe Biden overcame challenges such as a childhood stutter and the loss of his son.  

9. Weird But True Know-It-All: U.S. Presidents
by Brianna Dumont 

Interest level: 2-7
Did you know Ulysses S. Grant got a speeding ticket riding his horse not once but twice? Students may not think of the stately U.S. presidents as “weird,” but many of them have silly stories to discover! This title humanizes historical figures by sharing the substance and weirdness in every president’s past.  

10. Team Time Machine Picks A President In The Election Of 1800
by Elizabeth Krajnik 

Interest level: 2-5
What if you could experience a pivotal past election firsthand? Gaby, Zoe and Will time-travel to witness the tie-breaking decision that led to the election of the nation’s third president. This informational fiction story features a diverse cast of characters as well as historical images and fact boxes. 

11. Elections: Why They Matter To You
by John Son 

Interest level: 3-5
Show readers why voting matters and how elections work so they can become involved citizens even at a young age. Elections: Why They Matter To You is an age-appropriate introduction to relevant subjects regarding the election process.  

12. A Quick History Of Politics: From Pharaohs To Fair Votes
by Clive Gifford 

Interest level: 3-7
As your students learn about the United States government and how it came to be, they may have bigger questions about government throughout history. How did ancient people make decisions? How do the people in power stay in power? Learn answers to these burning questions and more.  

13. Scholastic Book Of Presidents 2020
by George Sullivan

Interest level: 3-7
Which president spoke the most languages? Who was the last president to keep a full beard? Students will find the fun in the Founding Fathers when they pick up this easy-to-read book of presidential mini biographies. 

14. The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings And Unwritten Future Of America’s Presidents
by Kate Messner and Adam Rex

Interest level: 3-7
There could be as many as 10 future presidents alive right now. Will one of your students be one of them? Award-winning author Kate Messner and New York Times bestselling artist Adam Rex share a compendium about the U.S. presidents before they became presidents. 

15. Presidents 
by James Barber  

Interest level: 3-7 
Add this visual guide to America’s highest office to your classroom library! Readers will connect with the presidents as they explore full-color photographs of campaign memorabilia, family portraits, handwritten letters, mementos and more. 

16. Becoming President 
by Michael Rajczak

Interest level: 3-6
The path to becoming a world leader is a challenging one, from long years spent raising awareness to financing a campaign. Running for student government may not be as costly, but it’s still hard work! Share this guide to starting a campaign for student council and beyond.  

17. Voting For The President Of The United Sates 
by Shannon H. Harts

Interest level: 4-6
How has the process of electing the President of the United States changed over the years? Guide readers through the steps and history of voting and teach them about important historical figures. 

18. U.S. Presidents: The Oval Office All-Stars
by Dan Green 

Interest level: 5-8
Readers will connect with the presidents in a whole new way when each leader speaks directly to them. Students will learn silly, inspiring and shocking facts about the lives of the U.S. presidents from their points of view.  

19. The Debate About The Electoral College
by Sue Bradford Edwards 

Interest level: 5-8
Is the Electoral College an important part of voting for the next president, or is it getting in the way? Introduce students to the sides of this debate and help them gain critical thinking skills to form their own opinions about how government should work.  

20. Electing A U.S. President
by Xina M. Uhl 

Interest level: 7-12 
How do we elect someone to the most important office in the country? Simple language and helpful graphics break this process down for students to easily understand.  

Looking to add Civics and Civil Rights collections from diverse perspectives to your classroom library? Check out Booksource’s Civics Grades K-5 Collections and Civil Rights Collections.

How will you connect these engaging presidential titles to your lessons?