Book Recommendations to Celebrate a New President
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We’re one day away from the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. And what better way to celebrate than to read some of our favorite books about U.S. politics and activism? “Hail to the Chief” never sounded so good.
For the adults in your life
Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer
If you’re missing the team dynamic of President Obama and Vice President Biden, then you’ll want to check out the first book in the Obama Biden Mystery series: Hope Never Dies. It’s one part buddy comedy, one part Sherlock Holmes mystery – with a little Amtrak nerdery thrown in. And it’s one hundred percent delightful.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Books A Million | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
If you’ve often wondered where Hillary Clinton finds inspiration, The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience is the book for you. In it, Hillary and her daughter Chelsea Clinton share stories of women who have inspired them over the years – including some present-day inspirations they share. The Clintons see this book as a continuation of a conversation they’ve been having since Chelsea was a little girl. Because even as a child, Chelsea understood that she grew up in a society much different than her mother did – one full of female doctors and political figures. And because the world is continuing to change, with more and more inspiring women and non-binary folks coming to light each day, this book is an incredible primer on heroic women.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Books A Million | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
For the young adults in your life
Running by Natalia Sylvester
One of our favorite young adult books of 2020 was Running, a contemporary novel about a fifteen-year-old Cuban American teen named Mariana Ruiz, whose father just happens to be running for president in the Republican primary. It’s a fascinating look at the way politician’s families are thrust into the political spotlight right alongside the candidate. And it’s a wonderful story about how to parse political differences as you come into your own values and activism. The election might be over, but our obsession with this book is not.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Books A Million | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
For the middle grade reader in your life
Kid Presidents by David Stabler and Doogie Horner
It’s so strange to imagine that every former president – and every presidential candidate – was once a kid themselves. Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents is the perfect read for the young activist – or young class president – in your life. We especially loved reading about how clumsy Bill Clinton was as a kid, the pranks that LBJ pulled in class, and the way Barack Obama stood up to his bullies.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Books A Million | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
For the kids in your life
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris and Ana Ramírez González
There are so many wonderful picture books out there about young political figures, but our favorite by far is Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea written by Meena Harris, who just so happens to be Kamala Harris’ niece. The story follows two sisters, Kamala and Maya, who live in an apartment complex and have nowhere in their neighborhood to safely play. When they discover an empty courtyard nearby, they rally together the kids in their neighborhood, raising funds and garnering adult support. It’s an inspiring true story about the importance of community organizing and we love it so much.
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