A Kid’s Guide to America: 4 Nonfiction Picks for Every Kind of Young Patriot

Book cover of Kids Presidents book

Image Credit: Aspen Card Catalog; Image Link

Kid presidents: true tales of childhood from America’s presidents : stories

by David Stabler

Check it out in our online card catalog!

Summary: From JFK’s rivalry with his older brother to Lyndon B. Johnson pulling pranks, this book details 20 humorous and relatable stories about how our presidents overcame their childhood challenges.

Recommendation: This book was one of my favorites growing up, so I can fully attest to how fun and interesting it is. Any young history lover or aspiring president will absolutely adore this book’s cartoon illustrations and hilarious, relatable stories.


Book cover of World Almanac book

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The World Almanac 5,001 Incredible Facts for Kids on America’s Past, Present, and Future

by World Almanac Kids

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Summary: This book is a collection of thousands of fascinating and surprising facts about about the United States, from its natural resources and landmarks, to the first peoples to inhabit and explore the Americas, to the innovation and diversity of the nation in the 21st century–and everything in between.

Recommendation: Is your child always asking a million questions? Well here’s 5,001 answers to them! This book is jam-packed with tons of surprising facts that will interest, surprise, and astound every member of the family. This would also be a perfect roadtrip read for any summer trips!


Book cover of Scrambled State of America book

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The Scrambled States of America

by Laurie Keller

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Summary: At the first annual “states party,” Virginia and Idaho hatch a plan to swap spots so each can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things start to go wrong. Will the states ever unscramble themselves and return to their proper places?

Recommendation: This is a humerous and educational story that makes geography fun. Join the 50 states as they scramble themselves, and find out what makes them special in this fantastic childrens’ book that’s sure to spark the interest of any young traveler.


Book cover of Who Was Abraham Lincoln? book

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Who Was Abraham Lincoln?

Janet B. Pascal

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Summary: Born to a family of farmers, Lincoln stood out from an early age–literally! (He was six feet four inches tall.) As sixteenth President of the United States, he guided the nation through the Civil War and saw the abolition of slavery. But Lincoln was tragically shot one night at Ford’s Theater–the first President to be assassinated. Over 100 black-and-white illustrations and maps are included.

Recommendation: What list of recommendations for America 250 would be complete without a biography about one of our most beloved and excellent presidents? And an Illinois treasure at that? Learn all about Abraham Lincoln in this easy-to-read kids biography that’s sure to inspire your child.


About the author

Smithton Public Library

The Smithton Public Library District is located in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, MO. The library serves nearly 5,000 residents. We hope you visit us soon!