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Tired of books about the presidency that present themselves as history books? Author Judith St. George, along with Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Small--has created a book about the presidency that's serious fun! So You Want to Be President? is full of anecdotal evidence of what it takes to be president. David Small illustrates the humerous points in his energetic, cartoon-inspired mixed illustrations. So You Want to Be President? explains that presidency is far more interesting (and appealing) than it seems in some of the more traditional books. In her book, So You Want to be President?, was the result of a childhood memory. She recalls, "One day I began to think about how, when I was growing up, being President was the ultimate ambition (for boys, not girls!). Was that true any more? What does it take to be President? How come so many different personalities and characters have ended up in the White House?" In writing her book about all the presidents, she set out to show kids that these men "have two sides. In one sense, they are larger than life, but in another sense, they are also very human." In addition to So You Want to Be President?, George has written: You're On Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt, Take the Lead,George Washington, So You Want to Be an Explorer?, and So You Want to Be an Inventor?. Also students keep in mind that Judith St. George is working on two children's books: Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Keep this page bookmarked and I will keep you posted as new books come.

Let's have a little fun. Let's try to play guess who! Below are pictures of 5 different authors of award winning books. Click on the picture to find out if you have the correct author for So You Want to Be President? By clicking on the photograph, you will be directed to an authors page to learn a little about all the authors pictured, and to see if you correctly identified Judith St. George.

Now that you have played the authors game, it is time for you to get into groups and begin the tasks below as you begin the book. When reading the book it is importatnt that you pay close attention to the book and its details to complete the task(s) below. Below you will find the rules and participation for your groups.

There is work to be done! As you read, take a look at all the previous President's life and see if you want to be president!

Rules & Partcipation:

Your teacher will be putting you into groups of four. Wait for your teacher to put you into the group with 3 other students from your class. While you are in this group, make sure to cooperate with the other students. Each student will have an assigned role within the group. It is up to you and your group to decide which roles you would like, but this way everyone has the opportunity to participate!! Below you will find the list of jobs:

THE MANAGER: This person should be organized and a leader. It is the managers job to operate the computer and to print out all the materials. Make sure that there is enough for your entire group and every task gets printed off. Also, gather any material need for the tasks--(pencils, paper, etc.)

THE REPORTER: This person should be able to speak in front of other people. It will be the reporters job to report progress to the teacher and findings to the class. Remember to include the thoughts of every member in your group--not just your own.

THE SCRIBE: This person should have neat handwriting and be a good listener. It is the scribes job to write down the information that the group dictates. Remember to include the thought and findings of every member in your group--not just your own.

THE READER: This person should be able to read aloud to a group and have a good speaking voice. It is the readers job to read So You Want to Be President? and to read the instructions of the task to your group. Make sure everyone in your group understands the instructions before the task is started.