If I Were President

by Catherine Stier, Diane DiSalvo-Ryan (Illustrator)

2000 SSLI Honor Book-Social Studies (Grades K-6)
IRA Los Angeles' 100 Best Books

A multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to be president.

Imagine living in the White House, a mansion where you wouldn't have to leave home to go bowling or see a movie! Imagine a chef to cook anything you like. "Two desserts, Madam President? No problem!" If you were president, there would be a lot of work to do too. You would be in charge of the armed forces, give important speeches, and work with Congress to create laws for the whole country!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Presidents, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Government

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Faloni © · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my country, the United States of America; although it may sometimes feel like uh “beautiful-mess” there is beautifulness to be found inside of all of this.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young child ponders what they would do if they were to become President of the United States. A cute read that also showcases some of the responsibilities of the presidency.

[Madison Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is classified as historical fiction and is written by Catherine Stier. This book is centered around the job duties and responsibilities of serving as the president of the United States of America. This book does an excellent job of encouraging and persuading the audience that anyone can become the president. The text presents the information in a humorous manner in order to capture the audience's attention. This historical fiction story touches on several lifestyles and perks that the president will encounter as he/she serves their people. Dy’Anne DiSalvo-Ryan does a perfect job of illustrating different characteristics of the White House and various other aspects. Some of those characteristics include the transportation (personal airplane), the hundreds of rooms inside the White House, a variety of pets allowed, the oval office, cabinet members, and so much more.
I enjoyed reading this book, the book encompassed so many different learning ideas and perspectives. The information that is presented in this historical fiction book is appropriate for upper elementary students. Students can and would learn a lot of factual information that is centered around the president of the United States of America. All students would feel motivated and eager to strive for greatness simply because the book outlines all areas that the president covers. The book shares over and over that “YOU” can be president, because anyone is capable and smart enough. This text allows all audiences to dream bigger than big, and have a goal in mind; who knows we may teach a future president. This book would be great for a read aloud in upper elementary classes. At this age students will have an adequate understanding of the personnel within the government and will be able to connect and interpret the information that is presented in this text. I would use this text, which is titled “If I Were President” in my classroom with various activities. The first idea that I would instruct my students to complete would be for students to create a speech to share with “the people” (peers). This speech would allow students to state what they value and what they would do for their nation. The next idea includes incorporating social studies in the subject of reading (EL), to introduce concepts cross curricular is beneficial for students. There is not always enough time in a day, so why not utilize time and cover two concepts. One activity that I would do for this is to discuss and read about current events, but focusing on the white house of the president. The final activity that I would implement with the text is to allow students to identify their questions or wonderings and aha moments. I value students' ideas and questions and want students to learn the answers to their wonderings. Once students have identified them, then I would complete further research and answer the students' questions and present the new learnings to them during upcoming class sessions. The main idea that resonated with me during this book would include the person that serves as the president is not limited to certain groups of people, but while serving he/she has many responsibilities and tasks in order to best serve the people, but they live a very luxurious lifestyle.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is more mute in coloring, i wish it has been more vibrant color wise like the book "If I Ran for President", i read 3 books from this author: If I Ran for President, If I Were President & Bugs In My Hair?! ...my fave was this one (If I Ran for President, i did review for all three did use review for all 3 so u might get how i was reviewing/rating them, great illustrations and fun to read ... i have pick up several more books from this author, well done. great writing and style!) a bit more than the other ... the illustrations are more fun and more colorful. fun times

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picturebook introduction to the perks and responsibilities of being the president of the United States offers a balanced look at some of the things the president does. Kids of different races and genders are pictured acting in the president's role and carrying out their duties. A nice, balanced treatment for a younger audience.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an overview of what Presidents do, written from a child's POV. There are some relatable aspects, like the child wanting two desserts.
Controversies surrounding past presidents and the presidency are not pointed out, but parents and teachers can discuss these aspects when it comes up in the book.
Globally it is a good overview that young children in pre-school can understand.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes over the details of what and who the president is in simple terms and also explains the history of why our government is the way it is. It breaks down the branches of legislation and the different democratic parties. This gives a first person perspective for kids wondering what exactly happens when you become the new president, the fun parts and the hard parts.

[Grace DeBaltzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this for teaching students about what it is like to be the president. Interesting informational book.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful for explaining to young children what the President of the United States does. Very simple text.

[Goshen PL Childrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for CuTieS book club February 20, 2023
Theme: President's Day Stories

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stier shows reader the process for electing a US president and then shows them how to serve as one.

[Paula Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Norah Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the fact it was a girl they show as president. Overall the book had some fun facts to use for President's day.

[Nora Alomari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade level interest: 3rd-5th grade
Reading level (Fountas-Pinnell): R
Genre: Picture book and Multicultural Literature

Main Characters: Children
Setting: White House
POV: Many different children share their own views and ideas

Catherine Stier gives a fun twist to election day that is enjoyable to young children. In the book, a few children share their thoughts of what they would do if they were president. The children in the book share fun thoughts such as getting two desserts every night or taking the air force plane on crazy trips around the world. Also, the children share thoughts such as making important laws that will help people. Throughout the book, different parts of the White House are described which plays a role in teaching children about the White House. They explain that in the Oval Room is where important decisions are made along with other aspects of that go along with the White house.

I would use this book especially during election time or on a unit in social studies that focuses on the government of the United States. In the book, children are able to view the different point of views of children that come from different cultures and backgrounds. This is great way to incorporate multiculturalism into a unit that is many times very biased. For example, a few girls in the book talk about what they would do if they were president. This would teach children that women can also become president. It also shows the pov of children who different cultures. Many lessons can be built upon this books and gives every child a way to relate this topic back to them and what they believe in. Children will be able to learn about the being president and about the White House in a fun and interactive way.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF I WERE~PRESIDENT by Catherine Stier and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan is an amazing Children's Book/Educational/Picture Book. What a delightful way to teach young readers,Kindergarten to Grade 2 about the president. Written with details a young reader can understand,beautiful illustrations, and some generation formation. A must for not only young readers,but for grandparents and educators alike. I loved this book from beginning to end. Even I learned a few things or too. Easy to read and easy to follow. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: NONE(CHILDREN'S BOOKS)
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story the author write as if a young child were to be president and describes what the president does and how the government works. I liked how this book walked the reader through the government and the explanations that are given. This book is a good book to have for children to read or to do an interactive read aloud for the teacher to read to the class.

Ask the students what would be a law they would make if they were President.”

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I Were President talks about duties, responsibilities, and traditions of the Office of the Presidency...even insignificant things are explained, for example how the president's dog would be famous as well as the president's childhood home.

Used for "Who is Our President and What Does He Do All Day?" storytime-February, 2010.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

my 5 yo really liked this book. I thought that the author did a really good job at telling the kids about different things, like vetoes, but explaining it in a way that children would understand. I would recommend this book to others.

[Rachel]

From the perspective of a little girl running the country and what she would do.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I took a look at this for a possible President's Day sort of storytime. It was an okay filler story, but I didn't find it very interesting/amusing/engaging...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would really like to use this either at election time or for President's Day in my elementary classroom. Simple, yet accurate text, and gorgeous artwork.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story featuring different children, boys and girls, and what their responsibilities would be as president.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my kids on Election Day 2024 to help explain to them the importance of this historical election and the responsibilities of the role. It fell a little short in my opinion.

[Anna Youssef]

This book is about a multicultural cast of children who imagine what it would be like to be president. This book has great quotes such as "imagine a chef to cook anything you like", "imagine a mansion where you wouldn't have to leave home to go bowling". This book is a great discussion starter for students, but also a great way to discuss life in the government. There is also a note about the presidency in the story. This is a great book to read before a writing assignment, or independent writing.