The Kid Who Ran For President (Paperback)

by Dan Gutman (Author) "It was right after Election Day, 1999..." (more)
Key Phrases: let the kid run, carpet tiles, Judson Moon, President White, President of the United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
It doesn't take much for sixth-grader Judd Moon's best friend, Lane, to convince him that a kid rather than a grownup should lead the U.S. into the new millennium-and that Judd is just the boy for the job. Fast-talking Lane grabs the reigns as his pal's campaign manager and the intrepid duo quickly obtains the necessary signatures to get Judd on the ballot for the Presidential election of 2000 (the novel opens in 1999). Lining up a blue-eyed, blond classmate as his "First Babe" and a wise if cynical elderly African American woman as his running mate, Judd establishes the Lemonade Party (named for the commodity sold at his first fund-raiser) and promises to abolish all homework if his peers can convince their parents to vote for him. As the rookie politician's campaign takes off at a rollicking clip, readers will be caught up in the inventive absurdity of Gutman's (Taking Flight) plot. Despite the preposterous premise and the characters' endless stream of unrealistically clever quips and wisecracks, the author pulls off a feat as impressive as Judd's victory: he actually makes his hero a credible 12-year-old. This snappy, lighthearted farce will win kids' votes. Ages 9-13.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Meet Judson Moon, the newest and most exciting presidential candidate in the year 2000 elections. How is he different from other candidates? First of all, he is 12 years old. Second, his friend and campaign manager, Lane, came up with the idea, and Judson is going along with it because it sounds like fun, not because he has a real understanding of the issues. And third, his running mate is an elderly African-American woman who used to be his babysitter. Judson's campaign is more successful than anyone could have predicted. Supporters even start sending him money to help out. The boy begins to realize he is in over his head, but still he goes on to debate the other candidates on national television. The voters love him and vote for him, but in the end, he decides to give up the presidency. How could adults vote a 12-year-old into office? Gutman makes readers believe anything is possible in these elections. Throughout the campaign, Lane brings up interesting political issues for discussion, such as why can't somebody younger than 35 run for president? Why are there amendments to the Constitution? Should politicians get sponsored by McDonalds? What are the journalists after? This humorous, informative book will be a fun read anytime, but particularly during this election year.
Elisabeth Palmer Abarbanel, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590939882
• ISBN-13: 978-0590939881
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,418 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #38 in

  Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( G ) > Gutman, Dan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read book!, March 20, 2000

By A Customer

THE KID WHO RAN FOR PRESIDENT by: Dan Gutman is a fabulous book that you MUST read! It has a great combo of comedy and and a unique style of writing that is hard to find nowadays. Dan Gutman delivers one of his best books yet! THE KID WHO RAN FOR PRESIDENT is a magnificent piece that must be read by all, no matter how old you are! This book is about a 12 year-old, Judson Moon, who decided that he wanted to run for president. Can he win, is the question?

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lemonade Party Press Release, September 16, 2003

By	Bardia (Ormond Beach, FL, United States) - See all my reviews

This book is SO funny! 12-year-old prankster Judson Moon and his campaign manager/best friend 12-year-old genuis Lane Brainard (Sounds just the way its spelled) are on a mission- to make Judson the President of the United States. To do this, they need 2,000 signatures and $20 million. Judson got A LOT of votes. Through scandal and opinion polls, Is it enough to make him president? And how long will his presidency last? Read this funny and entertaining book if you want to know.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Book, April 18, 2002

By	"flackner" (Florida) - See all my reviews

I read this book when I was in fourth grade with my class. I loved it. It was funny and although unrealistic, real at the same time. It explained politics very well and gave me a real sense of what being presidential candidate. We read this book before/during/after the 1996 elections so it made them even more realistic to me.