Introducing a New Book to Get Your Kids Excited About History

President Gerald Ford passed away in 2006. At the time, I was working at the White House in President Bush’s speechwriting office. I was immediately asked to help research the speech for his funeral. I immersed myself into learning everything I could about President Ford’s life and character for the speech and came to admire the man who I learned was the right person at the right time to lead our country. On the day of his funeral, when White House staffers stood to salute him as his casket drove by the White House, I had a newfound respect and admiration for a president that just a few days earlier I hadn’t known much about at all.

So when Sleeping Bear Press recently approached us and asked if we’d reveal the cover for a new picture book about President Ford, how could we pass that up? I’d do anything to get President Ford’s story out there. Author Lindsey McDivitt felt the same way. Her latest book is testament to that.

We’re thrilled to reveal this beautiful cover for the latest children’s book written about one of our nation’s outstanding presidents: Truth and Honor: the President Ford Story by Lindsey McDivitt, illustrated by Matt Faulkner.

Ms. McDivitt weaves President Ford’s story with life lessons he learned from key players at various times of his life. My 10-year-old and I particularly loved learning about President Ford’s childhood and the obstacles he had to overcome to succeed in both school and on the football field. It’s a beautiful story about a man with a beautiful life and legacy.

True stories about overcoming obstacles and roads to success are invaluable to helping our children learn what’s possible in their own lives. Stories about our nation’s presidents are no exception.

Truth and Honor will be released July 14th by Sleeping Bear Press. It’s available to pre-order now from your local book store or here.

Q & A with the Author

The book’s author, Lindsey McDivitt, answered some of our questions regarding undertaking a non-fiction book like this one, as well as why profiles of our nation’s leaders are so important for children and parents to read together.

What about President Ford’s story compelled you to write a children’s book about him?

     There were no books about President Ford for this age group (6-10 year olds), and kids tend to find true stories fascinating. My daughter was at the University of Michigan at that time and was the first to tell me the story of Jerry Ford and his best friend on the UM football team, Willis Ward. I was intrigued! Ward was the only African-American player on the team and Jerry was incensed when Ward was prevented from playing a game due to prejudice. The incident influenced Jerry in big ways, even as a congressman and president. 

     The more I learned about him the stronger my conviction that Gerald R. Ford can be a role model for many. He was a man of strong principles and integrity who cared deeply about other people. I truly wanted to tell the world!

Can you give us some insight into your research process? What did it entail? 

     I always begin by reading, and putting lots of little sticky notes in pages of significance. I especially take note of nuggets I believe kids would relate to. For example, young Jerry Ford coped with a stutter in elementary school and was reluctant to be called on by his teachers. And he was our most athletic president. 

     But a conference call with President Ford’s son Mike Ford was invaluable. What an honor to hear personal recollections that confirmed my own growing conviction that President Ford was deeply committed to the American people, over 25 years in Congress and in his time as President. 

     I also toured the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids Michigan. The program director, Clare Schubert, gave me insights into how their amazing exhibits are shared with school-age children. We even ate lunch at the Cherie Inn where Jerry Ford first met his birth father at age 16.

I know authors aren’t able to choose their illustrator, but did you have a vision for how this book would look? Were you able to work with the illustrator on that vision at all? 

     Honestly, I was secretly hoping Sleeping Bear Press would select Matt Faulkner from the very beginning! I lived in Michigan for seven years and became involved in the writing and illustrating world there. Matt is just perfect for this book. 

     I had a few art notes in the original manuscript as to what my words couldn’t fully convey, but Matt certainly didn’t need more from me. I’m in awe at how he showed the good humor and kindliness in President Ford’s eyes!

Why are these types of books important for children (and their parents) to read? What lessons can be learned from them?

     My admiration for President Ford grew enormously as I learned that his life wasn’t easy—he worked hard through many tough times. America and the world are experiencing new challenges requiring hard work and adaptation to changed lives. One thing I love about picture book biographies is the ability to show kids how an individual can cope with hardship, become a better person, and thrive over a long life. 

     In government Gerald Ford cared more about people than politics. He championed Americans of different religions, genders, abilities and color. And he never veered from telling the truth. That’s a lesson that can’t be emphasized enough for young children.

What would you tell a child who is reluctant to pick up this type of book (or their parent, for that matter)?

     Modern picture book biographies are created to draw kids into a true story. The lyrical, made-to-read-aloud qualities make it an easy enjoyable way to learn together—parents and children. Truth and Honor: The President Ford Story is very focused on just what kids might find interesting, including Jerry Ford’s surprising childhood. Plus you have gorgeous illustrations by Matt Faulkner—a highly talented artist!

Behind the Scenes with the Illustrator

Additionally, if you’re curious about what the illustration process looks like for a book like this, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has sponsored a mini-series giving readers an inside look with award winning illustrator Matt Faulkner: Foundation and Museum Virtual Experience.

To learn more about President Ford, please visit The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum or the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

More info on the author: www.lindseymcdivitt.com

More info on the illustrator: www.mattfaulkner.com

For a list of some of our favorite non-fiction children’s book titles, go here.