Madison's Patriotic Project

by Vanita Braver

In celebration of Presidents Day, Madison creates a beautiful patriotic scrapbook that she is confident will win her the first prize and free pizza. Despite her self-assurance, her classmate Jonathan wins the prize and Madison is devastated. With gentle counseling from her parents and her stuffed animal Courage the Lion, she does the right thing and congratulates Jonathan for winning. The story highlights an important trying your best is what truly counts.

21 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Mary Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Madisons book about George Washington but it made me feel sad when she was pouty.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am studying for a Master of Education in School Counseling and I love this book. Madison’s Patriotic Project is about Madison, who hopes to win a prize at school. When Madison doesn’t win she is overwhelmingly disappointed, but with her parent’s help she realizes that winning isn’t everything! More importantly, she works through her difficult emotions and realizes that trying your best is more important than winning.
I love that Madison’s behavior is realistic (at one point she pouts and stomps). Children can really identify with imperfect characters who show realistic human emotions. When Madison works through her feelings, she models appropriate behaviors for the reader. This book also teaches children a little bit of American history in a humorous way!
I think this book would be a fantastic primer for children before classroom competitions! Or perhaps for guidance lessons about good sportsmanship.

[India Braver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I might sometimes forget to review the wonderful children's books that my mom writes, I'll never forget how wonderful she is. <3
(But also, while Madison does learn incredibly important life lessons in this fantastic children's series, the stories themselves are completely fictionalized accounts of life not based on real events because obviously my sisters and I were perfect angels growing up...)
Even though I might be a bit biased, I would definitely recommend these books to parents with kids between the ages of 5-7; they're sure to love them!!! These books are charming and cute and promote being nice and good- they're basically amazing.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for kids understanding that thy may not win everything even when they do their best.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series.... Very good teaching material!