Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the book you hand a kid who asks why we've never had a female president—or better yet, read it before they ask so they're already thinking about representation and leadership.

Grace is a great protagonist: determined without being obnoxious, competitive without being cruel. When Thomas claims he's the 'best man for the job,' Grace doesn't whine about unfairness—she decides to prove she's the best person for the job. That's the kind of problem-solving we want kids to see.

The electoral college explanation is genuinely impressive for a picture book, and the campaign mechanics (posters, slogans, promises) give kids a real framework for understanding elections. It's civics class without the lecture.

The 2024 re-release keeps it current, though the premise has evolved since 2008—we've had a female VP now, which changes the conversation slightly. Still, the core message about representation, hard work, and civic participation is timeless. School Library Journal calls it 'an all-around winner,' and they're right.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-9, especially during election years or when studying government in school. Kindergarteners can grasp the story; fourth graders can dig into the electoral college mechanics. After age 10, it feels a bit young unless you're using it as a teaching tool.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Models determination, hard work, and standing up for what you believe in without being preachy. Grace's competitive spirit is balanced with fairness—she doesn't resort to underhanded tactics, just works harder. The gender dynamics are handled well: boys vs. girls voting patterns are presented as a real obstacle Grace must overcome through merit, not by complaining. Emotionally healthy messaging about civic participation and believing in yourself.

Imaginative

73

The premise—a school mock election mirroring the presidential race—is clever and gives kids a framework to imagine themselves in positions of leadership. The electoral college explanation is creative for a picture book. However, this is fundamentally a realistic story about a school election, not a fantasy or world-building exercise. It sparks civic imagination more than creative play, which is valuable but a different flavor of imaginative.

Safe

98

Completely safe for young readers. No violence, scary content, or mature themes. The competitive election scenario could create minor tension but it's age-appropriate and resolved positively. Common Sense Media confirms it's straightforward and appropriate. The only 'conflict' is a friendly school election—exactly the kind of safe challenge kids should encounter in books.

Enriching

88

Genuinely educational about the American electoral system, including the electoral college, which even adults struggle to explain. Teaches civic engagement, perseverance, and gender equality without being didactic. Grace's journey from 'Where are the girls?' to running a campaign gives kids a model for identifying problems and taking action. The 4.8 Amazon rating and strong library endorsements suggest it resonates and sticks with readers. Meaningful takeaway about representation and democracy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually explains the electoral college in a way kids (and let's be honest, adults) can understand
Grace is competitive and driven without being mean—she just works harder when Thomas matches her campaign moves
Tackles gender representation in leadership naturally, sparked by Grace's simple question: 'Where are the girls?'
Perfect conversation starter during election season, with real campaign tactics (slogans, posters, promises) kids can grasp
LeUyen Pham's illustrations bring energy to what could've been a dry civics lesson

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What to Watch For

The boy-vs-girl voting dynamic is realistic but might prompt questions about why kids voted along gender lines
Some competitive tension between Grace and Thomas—totally age-appropriate but sensitive kids might feel the pressure
Originally published in 2008, then re-released; the core message holds up but the cultural context has shifted since the first female VP

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Grace wanted to run for president after learning no woman had done it before?"
"If you were running for class president, what would your campaign promise be?"
"Why did most boys vote for Thomas and most girls vote for Grace? Do you think that's fair?"
"What do you think makes someone a good leader—being popular or having good ideas, or both?"

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Grace for President