Info
- Illustrated by Adam Rex
- Age Range: 8-12
- Grade Level: 3 – 7
- Hardcover: 48 pages
- Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 24, 2020)
- ISBN-10: 1452174881
- ISBN-13: 978-1452174884
- 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books list
- 2021-22 Great Lakes Book Award Nominee
An inspiring and informative book for kids about the past and future of America’s presidents.
Who will be the NEXT president? Could it be you? When George Washington became the first president of the United States, there were nine future presidents already alive in America, doing things like practicing law or studying medicine.
When JFK became the thirty-fifth president, there were 10 future presidents already alive in America, doing things like hosting TV shows and learning the saxophone.
And right now—today!—there are at least 10 future presidents alive in America. They could be playing basketball, like Barack Obama, or helping in the garden, like Dwight D. Eisenhower. They could be solving math problems or reading books. They could be making art—or already making change.
“There are picture books aplenty about United States presidents, but make way for this breath of fresh air…. Rex breathes life into these illustrations, showing the humanity absent from official portraits… And Messner doesn’t sugarcoat or whitewash history… awe-inspiring.”
—Horn Book Magazine, starred review
“An ingenious exploration of presidents that will encourage children to consider their own futures.”
—Booklist, starred review
“By the time the authors wrap with a variously inclusive spread reading “at least ten of our future presidents are probably alive today,” readers may be convinced that the future is wide open—presidentially speaking.”
-Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A vivacious exploration of the early lives of the leaders of the free world; an excellent nonfiction addition that will engage young history buffs.”
—School Library Journal, starred review