Top 15 President Books For Kids Updated 04 /2024

Celebrate Presidents' Day with books that explain and honor the role of the president and the people who have been in charge of our country. For pre-K and up, there are a lot of good books about the president. We hope you enjoy this list of our favorite president books for kids. You might start a debate or even make your students want to run for office one day if you say something interesting.

My Little Golden Book About George Washington by Lori H. Houran, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli

This is a newer addition to a throwback series that talks about how George Washington became the first president of the United States. It's very simple and easy to understand. It also talks about things like his love of fishing and horseback riding, and it gives a very low-key overview of the Revolutionary War. It's a good book to read aloud to young students on President's Day because it's a good story.

P is For President by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti

Best for: Grades Pre-K-1

There's no doubt that this person has a lot of experience teaching very young children about complicated things. With no help from a teacher, this book explains everything you need to know about being President of the United States, from how one is elected to how he or she spends the day. These are some of the things that will stick with you, like how one president had a pet alligator. They go well with the more general facts.

If I Ran For President by Catherine Stier and Avril Lynne

In what ways would you be able to make a difference? Election Day: How would it feel to wait for the results to come in on that day? What better way to get students talking than by giving them this multicultural and inclusive book? It talks about everything from being the star of a commercial and having your face on a bumper sticker to traveling in your own campaign bus!

If I Were President by Catherine Stier and Diane DiSalvo-Ryan

Best for: Grades Pre-K-3

President: What would you do if you were in charge of the country? A president is in charge of the country. A private chef makes all of their food, and they can go bowling whenever they want. But what would it be like to be in charge of the military, give important speeches, and work with Congress to make laws for the whole country? Using this book can start a class discussion that will make you think.

I Am George Washington by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos

Best for: Grades K-2

A lot of people thought of George Washington as a brave person. Before he became the first leader of the United States of America, he didn't think twice about being the first to try something. This book has a useful timeline of Washington's history and cartoon illustrations that make the story come to life.

I Am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos

Best for: Grades K-2

He talked a lot about fairness, but how did he become president? This book is full of color and shows Lincoln's life from when he was a child to when he became president. It includes the Civil War and Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address.

What is the President’s Job? by Allison Singer

Best for: Grades K-2

This nonfiction book gives a lot of information about the presidency, but it also talks a lot about the different parts of the job, like working with Congress and other world leaders, being the commander of the armed forces, and keeping certain rules. This book is unique because it includes a lot of interesting photos that show students what it's like to work in the most important job in the country.

Abe Lincoln: His Wit and Wisdom From A-Z by Alan Schroeder Illustrated by John O’Brien

Best for: Grades K-2

This alphabet book is a clever way to learn about our 16th president. There is a lot of information about Abraham Lincoln's life and work, from when he was a child to when he was president.

My Teacher for President by Kay Winters and Denise Brunkus

Best for: Grades K-3

After learning about the president's job, Oliver thinks his teacher would be the best person for the job. She's used to people following her, but she also likes white houses, finds jobs for people, goes to a lot of meetings, and thinks peace is good. This heartwarming book shows pictures of Oliver's teacher during a normal school day and when she's doing her job as the president.

Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman and Elizabeth Cottle

Best for: Grades K-4

Lincoln was a man who lived in the 1800s. Who was Lincoln? What does this little girl want to know? That our sixteenth president was a man who thought that everyone should be able to live their lives how they want to. He also liked Mozart, apple slices, and his wife's vanilla cake. He even had a dog named Fido! Keep in mind that Lincoln kept notes in the hat that he wore all the time. This book tells the story of Lincoln's life from when he was a boy living in a log cabin to when he was president and died too soon.

Ellie May on Presidents’ Day by Hillary Homzie and Jeffrey Ebbeler

Best for: Grades K-4

She has a big week coming up before Presidents' Day. How far will Ellie May go to be the class flag leader? When the second-grader is learning about US presidents, she is interested in being the class flag leader during the week before Presidents' Day. She is also very excited about being the flag leader. After not being chosen to hold the flag, she makes it her goal to get chosen. It turns out that honesty and patience go a long way.

Dear Mr. Washington by Lynn Cullen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Best for: Grades K-4

A cute story about George Washington's letters to Charlotte Stuart and her siblings as a young girl. As her father, the famous painter Gilbert Stuart, tries to paint a picture of Washington, the kids' antics throw the process off. This book is very colorful, funny, and full of disaster!

Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kalman

Best for: Grades K-4

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, did a lot of great things while he was in office, from writing the Declaration of Independence to setting up the Library of Congress. As a true Renaissance man, he was interested in everything from math and architecture to music and language. Maira Kalman's text and illustrations make this president's unique and complicated personality come to life for young readers.

Nice Work, Franklin! by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day

Best for: Grades K-4

Franklin Roosevelt was a man who had a lot of personal strength. He was elected president of the United States for an unprecedented four terms. FDR was known for being stubborn and having strong humanitarian views. He helped our country during a global economic depression and a war. His work as president changed the way we think about government in our country.

What Presidents Are Made Of by Hanoch Piven

Best for: Grades 3-5 

An eye-popping book that combines stories about some of our most famous presidents with fun collages made of things like jelly beans, hot dogs and bullets.

Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? by Michael Burgan, illustrated by Jerry Hoare and Nancy Harrison

Best for: Grades 3-7

Teddy Roosevelt was our 26th president, and he made a lot of firsts during that time. When he was elected, he was the youngest president ever. He was also the first sitting president to win the Nobel Peace Prize, ride in a car, and fly in an airplane, too! TR was also known for being a naturalist, hunter, explorer, author, and soldier, in addition to being a president who led the country well.

Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama’s Inspiring and Historic Presidency by Pete Souza

Best for: Grades 3-8

"Be Kind and Respectful," "Make Time for Family," and "Show Compassion" are some of the themes that Pete Souza organizes this collection of photos and reflections around. This is a different way to think about the role of President than in traditional nonfiction books. Photos in this book are an invitation to talk about not just Barack Obama's presidency but also other parts of history. There are many classroom discussions to be had about this unique and beautiful book.

Who Was Woodrow Wilson? by Margaret Frith, illustrated by Andrew Thomson and Nancy Harrison

Best for: Grades 3-7

Woodrow Wilson was a former professor, university president, and governor of the state of New Jersey. He served two terms as president during a time when our country was at risk. He was born to be a leader with new ideas, and he lived a life that was both amazing and heartbreaking.

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