Why ‘Tucker for President’ Offers Something Fresh and Vital for Parents
Conservative dad writes a powerful story to strike a blow in the Culture Wars
How old were you when you started paying attention to politics?
Where did you learn about the American political system? When did you learn the differences between the modern Republican and Democratic parties?
There are thousands of liberal and progressive books for kids, but very few conservative books. So, I wrote one to help kids and young teens understand the confusing world of politics.
Swimming Against the Political Tide
I was 12 years old when I first realized I was a conservative. I bought Rush Limbaugh’s newest book, “The Way Things Ought To Be,” and I listened to it on my Sony Walkman as I did chores on my family’s farm.
When Gov. Bill Clinton challenged President George H.W. Bush in the 1992 Presidential Election, I was the only person in my class to vote “Bush” in our classroom mock election.
In high school, I attended Project Close Up in Washington, D.C., a weeklong government learning immersion. I bought one souvenir during my time in the capital – a bumper sticker that said, “Vote Democrat. It’s Easier than Working.”
Fast forward a couple decades. My son was 11, and he began asking me questions about politics.
- “What does a governor do?”
- “How do elections work?”
- “What does it mean to be a Republican or a Democrat?”
He was hearing about all these complex ideas at school and in the mainstream media which caused more confusion for a middle school kid. We searched high and low for a book that would teach him about politics, elections and the great history of America, but one that was also funny and engaging.
Kids won’t read it if they aren’t entertained.
Sure, there are “Rush Revere” books, and there are a few others out there that teach historical lessons for kids, but nothing as relatable as the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books or “Harry Potter.”
So I wrote the book I wanted my children to read.
“Tucker for President: Middle School, Conservative Values, and the Craziest Class Election Ever” is a fun chapter book for kids ages 8-14. The story follows young Tucker Kirkman as he runs for president of his 6th grade class. Along the way, Tucker learns conservative principles about small government and taxation, the difference between democracy and socialism, personal responsibility and what it means to be pro-Life.
My second book in the Tucker series will be released in early September 2022. “Tucker for President: The First Amendment Frenzy” focuses on the importance of the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, two things that the Left sees as an inconvenience today.
What News and Information Are Our Kids Watching?
Many public school classrooms require kids to watch CNN10, a news program produced by CNN. CNN as a news source has proven to be untrustworthy.
That’s why books like “Tucker for President” are so important. It’s up to us as parents to help our kids understand why we live in the greatest country. It’s up to us to teach children why democracy is the path to prosperity and socialism is an empty promise.
When your kids get older, and someone asks them when they became conservatives, maybe they will remember the book series their parents gave them when they were kids.
America, and freedom, will be the big winner.
Ben LaCross is an author and a farmer from Northern Michigan. His books can be bought on Amazon or on his website at benlacrossbooks.com.