Grace for President | Storytime with the Children's Museum of Sonoma County

Hi, I'm Amy from the Children's Museum of Sonoma County and welcome to story time from my little house on wheels. Today we are going to read the

grace

for the

president

written by Kelly de Buci. Oh, one Monday morning in September, Mrs. Barrington displayed a large poster with all of the

president

's photographs. Grace Campbell couldn't believe what she saw. Where are all the girls? It's a very good question. Send mrs. Barrington, the truth is that our country has never had a woman president, no female president, Grace, no, I'm afraid not, said the lady. Barrington Grace sat at her desk and stood up.

No girl had ever heard of something so crazy. She finally raised her hand. Yes, Grace. I've been thinking about it and I would like to be president. Several students in the class laughed. I think it's a splendid idea, said Grace, the lady. Barrington, in fact, we may have our own election right here at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. The laughter in the room stopped. Grace smiled. Would anyone else like to run for president? Mrs. Barrington asked the class that no one raise their hand and it would be easy to become president the next day. Barrington made an announcement in the name of democracy.

I have invited mr. Walters' class joined in our election his classes nominated Thomas Cobb to be their presidential candidate Grace's heart sank Thomas was the champion of the school spelling bee his experiments always received a blue ribbon at the science fair and He was the captain of the football team. Becoming president wasn't going to be easy after all. Grace thought the teachers put the names of all 50 states and the District of Columbia in a hat. Everyone except Grace and Thomas got to choose the state. I'm Texas, Anthony said, I'm New Hampshire, Rose said. I'm Michigan, Robby said, what does the number 17 mean?

Each state is assigned a number of electoral votes, that number is determined by the number of people who live in that state, Ms. Barrington said, each of you will be a representative of your state in total. Our country has 538 electoral votes, mr. Waller explained on election day that the candidate who receives 270 electoral votes or more wins the election, why do 70 stars win? That's more than half of all electoral votes, Mr. Waller said becoming president really wasn't going to be that easy. Grace thought Grace came up with a campaign slogan, make history, vote Grace Campbell for president.

Thomas came up with his own campaign slogan, vote for Thomas Cobb, the best man for the job, Grace listens. what issues were important to the students and he made a list of campaign promises a peaceful school without bullies a cleaner school no littering better hot lunches no more fish stick tacos Thomas made his own list of promises free tutoring free soccer lessons fish stick tacos each week Grace made campaign posters and buttons Thomas made posters and buttons each week teachers set aside time for candidates to meet with their constituents polls were conducted voters were making their decisions Grace continued campaigning in the recess made speeches during lunch handed out free cupcakes after school organized rallies while Thomas wasn't all that worried, he had cleverly calculated that the boys got a little more electoral votes than the girls at recess Thomas studied his spelling words during lunch She worked on her latest science experiment after school, played soccer even before electoral

grace

could affect her promises, joined the security team, organized a school beautification committee, and volunteered her time in the school cafeteria to beginnings of November.

Woodrow Wilson Elementary School hosted a special assembly on Election Day. Grace and Thomas took their places on stage. as the school band began to play Henry was the first representative to approach the microphone the yellow ham our state of Alabama casts its nine electoral votes for Thomas Cobb Fletcher said the last border state of Alaska casts its three electoral votes for the best man from the labor Thomas Cobb Hamma called the grand canyon state of Arizona has its ten electoral votes for Gray's Campbell and so it went state after state after state cast their electoral votes the scoreboard in the gym kept track of all the totals the voting rally was quickly approaching the end Clara approached the podium the Badger state of Wisconsin casts its ten votes for my best friend Grace Campbell Grace looked at the scoreboard Thomas had 268 electoral votes she had 267 there was only one state still unaccounted for why Oh me Thomas smiles Grace felt Sam, sick, walked up to the microphone, looked at Thomas, looked at Grace, and looked at Grace's handmade flag.

Sam didn't say a word, what are you waiting for? Thomas whispered the BAM, stop playing, all eyes were on Wyoming, finally Sam cleared his throat the state of equity of Wyoming because that's three electoral votes for Grace Campbell, the gym erupted into loud cheers and a few boos, ma'am. Barrington approached the podium with 270 electoral votes the winner is Grace Campbell Thomas looks stunned Grace hugs Sam why did you do it she asked Sam hand to Grace's flag because she said I thought you were the best person for the job next week the students and lady. Barrington's class was preparing for their race day presentations.

Grace offered to go first. She stood at the front of the room and looked at the poster she still hung on the wall. My name is Grace Campbell and when I grow up I will be president of the United States this time everyone believed that she would appreciate it for joining us. See you next time as we read more books from my little house.