Could your teacher be President?

My Teacher for President

Written by Kay Winters

Illustrated by Denise Brunkus

Scholastic Inc., 2004

30 Pages

Fiction

          The title and vivid colors on the cover caught my attention, but I decided to read this book because when I picked it up, I instantly thought of ways I could use it in the classroom. Oliver writes a letter to Channel 39 explaining to them that he saw that elections are coming up, and he thinks his teacher would be the perfect candidate. Throughout the book he compares the many jobs that his teacher, Mrs. Robbins, does to the jobs that the President does. Oliver explains that she is used to being followed everywhere, people pay attention to her; she deals with the media every day, and she believes in peace. She would make the perfect candidate! Oliver’s only request is that she does not leave before the end of the year!

          Brunkus uses paint for her illustrations, possibly watercolor and acrylic. She uses vivid colors to bring her realistic graphics to life. Illustrations vary from page to page between whole page illustrations and part of the page having illustrations. The text is on the bottom of the page. The pictures show what Mrs. Robbins job is in reality, and what Oliver sees her doing as the President. It gives insight into why Oliver thinks Mrs. Robbins would make a good President. 

          My Teacher for President would make an excellent book for a history lesson on the presidency. Discussing how a teacher relates to a President makes the topic relatable to their life.  To incorporate language arts into the lesson, students would write an essay or a quick write about who in their life would make a good President. I would incorporate art by having the students illustrate their essay or quick write. This book has not received any awards.