President’s Day is the perfect time to introduce kids to the leaders who have shaped American history—and spark an interest in social studies. Whether they’re curious about George Washington’s bravery, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership or the inspiring stories of other U.S. presidents, books can bring history to life in a fun and engaging way. From picture books to chapter books, there are plenty of great reads that teach kids about the presidency, democracy and the values that define the nation. Here are ten books to help young readers celebrate President’s Day. 

P is for Presidents (Preschool / 3-5 years)

By Wendy Cheyette Lewison and Valeria Fabbretti (Illustrator)

Being President of the United States is a big job —the biggest job in all of America! Follow the president as he or she campaigns, runs, moves into the White House and works to fix problems. Learn about historically significant presidents along the way, and see what it takes to be president. 

George Washington’s Birthday: A Mostly True Tale (Preschool-3 / 4-8 years)

By Margaret McNamara, Barry Blitt (Illustrator)

Featuring watercolor illustrations of our first president as a seven-year-old kid, this book teaches readers truths and myths about our first president—such as, he didn’t wear a wig, and probably didn’t chop down a cherry tree.

This Little President: A Presidential Primer (Grade K-2 / 4-8 years)

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator)

At just 32 pages, this book is packed with age-appropriate facts and White House history, as well as leadership skills for our youngest patriots. It highlights 10 presidents and lists the first forty-five at the book’s end, making it a great primer for your youngest history buff.

I Am Abraham Lincoln (Grade K-4 / 4-7 years)

By Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator)

Part of a series of books about American heroes, this fun biography inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. Learn about the personality traits that made Lincoln one of the most beloved presidents and leaders, such as his sense of compassion, ability to speak for others, and willingness to speak his mind.

Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud (Grade 1-3 / 6-8 years)

By Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, Larry Day (Illustrator)

What happens when two friends both become president? Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had different personalities and led opposing political parties, but were able to put aside their differences to preserve their friendship. A humorous way to teach your kids about history, and working through disagreements with friends.

The President’s Stuck In The Bathtub: Poems About The Presidents (Grade 1-4 / 6-9 years)

By Susan Katz, Robert Neubecker (Illustrator)

Yes, president William Taft actually got stuck in a bathtub. But John Quincy Adams was known for skinny dipping in the Potomac and Gerald Ford’s name was originally Leslie Lynch King. A great way to laugh with your kids about little-known facts of U.S. history.

So You Want To Be President? (Grade 2-5 / 6-11 years)

By Judith St. George, David Small (Illustrator)

Featuring facts about the upbringing and escapades of past presidents, this entertaining book makes the faces behind the most powerful position in the world more relatable. Whether they were an actor like Ronald Reagan or born in a log cabin like Andrew Jackson, you’ll learn about the background of those tapped to do our nation’s most important job.

A Kids’ Guide to America’s First Ladies (Grade 3-7 / 8-12 years)

By Kathleen Krull, Anna Divito (Illustrator)

So much has been written about American presidents, but our First Ladies also played a large part in paving the way for women as they entered the White House. From Martha Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton and Melania Trump, it paints vivid portraits of women navigating times of change. An ideal way to teach kids about the advancement of women’s rights.

Bully For You, Teddy Roosevelt! (Grade 3-7 / 8-12 years) 

By Jean Fritz, Mike Wimmer (Illustrator)

Described by Mark Twain as “an earthquake” and by Buffalo Bill as “a cyclone,” Teddy Roosevelt was born in New York City and was an asthmatic, timid child. But with grit and determination, he grew into the conservationist, hunter and politician that eventually became America’s 26th president.

1,000 Facts About The White House (Grade 3-7 / 8-12 years)

By Sarah Wassner Flynn

What’s it like to live and work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? From how kids entertain friends and watch movies to a history of state dinners, celebrations and other fun-to-read facts, this book contains a wealth of information from the White House Historical Association. A great way to learn about its 233-year history.

Happy President’s Day! Here are more great books to read to your kids about the elections and voting process.