Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts [Paperback]

Syl Sobel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Much that we all thought we knew about U.S. presidential elections went out the window with the historic Bush-Gore campaign of 2000. But that wasn't the only unusual election in United States history--merely a recent and surprising contest. The previous edition of Syl Sobel's Presidential Elections was a great introduction to past presidential campaigns for kids. The updated edition is even better! Young readers will find all kinds of interesting facts for their history and social studies classes as they learn--Who can run for president? ... Who can vote? ... What is the Electoral College? ... What is a third-party candidate? ... What if something happens to the president? Some of the unusual facts they'll discover include--Which Republican president had a Democrat for his vice president? ... How many candidates have won the popular vote but lost the election? ... Why was President Truman so happy in 1948, when he read the Chicago Tribune headline that declared: "Dewey Defeats Truman"? Even more interesting, and with Syl Sobel's guidance, boys and girls will explore the dramatic presidential election of 2000, a marathon contest that wasn't decided until five weeks after Election Day.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Which three pairs of relatives have been U.S. presidents? What is the electoral college? What's a caucus? How often has the vice president become president? The answers to these and many other questions about the presidential elections are revealed in this quick, friendly read by the author of How the U.S. Government Works. Guiding young readers through the complicated process of determining the leader of the country, the book includes chapters on the rules for electing the president, the electoral college, the presidential campaign, and the procedure and order of succession if something happens to the president. A glossary and selected bibliography provide useful fodder for future student research. Sprinkled throughout are fascinating tidbits on past presidents and their wives. In the 1948 election, for example, the Chicago Tribune was so sure Thomas Dewey had won the close race against Harry S. Truman, they printed a front-page story with the headline, "Dewey Defeats Truman." Imagine their chagrin when all the votes were counted and Truman had won!

Sobel does a fine job of extracting the relevant information from the elaborate electoral process, and making it manageable for elementary school-aged children (but watch out for typos!). Jill Wood's blue line drawings add interest to the well-balanced text. (Ages 8 to 11) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Syl Sobel, J.D., is Director, Publications & Media Division, Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C. He is also author of two other books on government for young readers: How the U.S. Government Works and The U.S. Constitution and You.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2nd edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764118943
• ISBN-13: 978-0764118944
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #521,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Government > Elections
  • #14 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Political Science > Leaders & Leadership
  • #97 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Politics & Government

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, May 16, 2000

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts (Paperback)

Syl Sobel has taken a complicated subject and made it understandable and interesting for the elementary school student. This book is easy to read, with short chapters and filled with a ton of information. It also includes a lot of fun facts that everyone will enjoy about different presidents, their wives and some of our more interesting elections. A wonderful resource with a glossary, index and bibliography.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great resource!, May 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts (Paperback)

This is an educational and fun book that could not have come at a better time! My family and I have enjoyed reading about the complex election process, which the author explains in a clear and enjoyable style.

5.0 out of 5 stars Presidential Elections, November 21, 2008

By 

C. MARSHALL (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts (Paperback)

This was the best book ever! It did a good job of explaining the Electoral College. I liked the map of the US representing the number of Electorial votes each state has. The Winners Who Lost was informative and interesting. Order of Succession was a good reminder and learning about the nine times VP becomes president. Like the Electorial College information I liked having a complete list of all the presidents.