Using witty anecdotes and clear explanations, acclaimed writer Susan E. Goodman takes readers from the birth of democracy to the Electoral College; from front porch campaigning to hanging chads. It’s all here, spiced up with Elwood Smith’s witty illustrations, hilarious sidebars, photographs, and solid back matter. It’s a landslide victory: See How They Run stands above the rest as the most accessible, informative, and enjoyable election book on the market.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4–7—A lighthearted, fact-filled look at elections in the United States. The engaging conversational narrative and funny cartoons lend appealing irreverence to a topic that can sometimes seem too dry and serious. At the same time, the book covers a lot of ground and introduces concepts and personalities in ways that readers will understand and remember. Coverage includes the electoral college, campaigning, and many other aspects of elections, noting the flaws and absurdities in our system along with the many positive aspects. The text moves deftly back and forth through time within each subject, offering useful and varied historical examples. A section on inaugurations, for example, makes reference to William Henry Harrison's two-hour speech, Bill Clinton's night of dancing, and Andrew Jackson's rowdy White House party. "The Campaign Road" features several amusing instances of varied practices while also providing a cohesive summary of the topic's relevance. Plentiful illustrations utilize humor to demonstrate content, as in the depiction of a man with elongated arms straddling a state line and voting in two states at once. Even the photographs of presidents feature an amusing caption or word balloon. The final chapter addresses the role of kids, offering suggestions for involvement that range from writing letters to "bugging your parents." Informative, entertaining, and timely, this is a fine example of how well-conceived humor can make a potentially complicated topic not only more appealing, but also more comprehensible and even inspiring.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
The author of dozens of books for kids, Susan Goodman publishes widely on a variety of topics. She lives in Boston, and teaches at Tufts and Lesley. www.susangoodmanbooks.com
Elwood Smith works and lives in Rhinebeck, New York. His retro style is admired by many. He has illustrated several books for children. www.elwoodsmith.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must-Have for Any Citizen!,
By
This review is from: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House (Paperback)
With See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House, Susan E. Goodman has again proved that a sometimes unsavory subject can be treated with humor and wonder. As in The Truth About Poop and its companion Gee Whiz! It's All About Pee, Goodman turns her inquisitive nature and journalistic pursuit of truth into a fascinating investigation, explanation and exhortation for young people, encouraging them to take part in the fabulous, fallible democracy they've been born into. Elwood H. Smith makes excellent use of his illustrative opportunities to impart ideas both jovial and informative, sometimes clarifying the sophisticated ideas in the text, other times making jokes that the average middle-schooler will certainly get.
This fascinating history, explanation and guide captivates adult minds also. How well can you explain the electoral college system, or why it exists in the first place? Goodman is committed to a view of our leaders as imperfect mortal humans, not the demigods many children's biographers make them out to be. Jefferson is outed as a negative propagandist; Harrison's foolish two hour inaugural speech during a snowstorm resulted in his lethal pneumonia. From detailing who was accorded the right to vote and when, through campaign fundraising and mudslinging, to elections of mules by an uninformed populace, Goodman makes a complex subject both alluring and accessible. Inspiring stories of what kids have done to influence politics are interwoven with fascinating anecdotes about the (so far only) men who have run for president, and those committed to helping them win. The role of media is examined, and the inclusion of a glossary, extra resources to delve into for both younger and older readers, and a detailed index help to make this a perfect reference book for any classroom. A load of extra visual stimuli, including sidebars, wish lists, Benjamin Franklin quotes, and an hilarious "Presidential Facts" photo gallery add to the entertainment value of this educational tome. All in all, an invaluable addition to any American home, with or without kids.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Timely Book for the Upcoming Election,
By
This review is from: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House (Paperback)
The theme based school where I work will start with the theme of "Who Counts?" and it covers politics and elections on different levels for the children who attend our K-8 school. I picked up Susan E. Goodman's book because I was familiar with her other books, and I knew my students would love it. I just finished the book myself, and I really learned a lot about past presidents and elections. Goodman covers the 2000 election in a language that is easy for kids to access but does not simplify the situation. I also like how she addresses the different periods of time in the history of the USA when people other then while males couldn't vote. I plan on buying multiple copies of this book so that each classroom at our school can have one.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review from www.firrkids.com,
This review is from: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House (Paperback)
Wow! This is an excellent tool for teaching children about our country's election process. Clearly written, straightforward information presented in a smart, colorful format. I know a fair number of adults who would benefit from this book!
We are provided with a short history of democracy, an explanation of the electoral process and political parties, how the candidates compete, voting procedures, and the steps to becoming the President. A very thorough approach using clear language navigates a smooth path through some confusing subject matter and dry historical events. Lest we get fatigued by a relatively mundane subject, the raw data is interspersed with cartoons and silly illustrations. Fun facts, bold colors, and witty captions all contribute to making the information positively leap off the pages. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this book. The author and illustrator have undertaken a difficult subject and created a sensible and entertaining guide. Very well done both in written word and illustration. Our country's election process is such an important topic that too many adults don't fully understand. This is a wonderful resource to help your child become informed this election year.
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