Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kids' Letters to President Obama

Dear Barack Obama,

Something happened to me: I went out to lunch at Starbucks and I wanted to buy a cup of whipped cream and normally it’s 43 cents, but now it’s 74 cents! The price raised 31 cents for no reason. So you should probably try to change things like that from happening. You should keep an eye out for things like that.

Love,

Alexis Feliciano, age 9, Brooklyn

Dear President Obama,

What is your favorite holiday? My favorite holidays are Christmas and Halloween. I would be a good president and stop bad drugs. What stuff is in the White House? Answer here: _________________________________

You would never say bad words because you would never break the law.

Sincerely,

Kevin Cordova, age 7, Los Angeles

Dear President Obama,

I know you want to save the Earth, but people don’t want to clean. My life is to clean up all the world and help you to clean. I always dream of cleaning the world for you. I’ll do anything for you because you are the president in this world.

Stephanie Gonzalez, age 7, Los Angeles

Dear President Barack Obama,

When I was watching television on November 4th, I started crying because I was so happy. Everyone in my neighborhood kept honking their cars, yelling, and texting their friends about how you had been elected the 44th president.

My friend's dad is going to open a new ice-cream store right in front of my house and they are going to try to open it on January 20th in honor of you. :) My family and I have been talking about when you become president that it is going to be very hard. Don't worry, you have me, my family, my friends, and St. James School to support you. Just remember that you have two wonderful daughters that love you and a wife that loves you too and remember that she is as beautiful as a rose.

Well, thanks, and I hope you have a great time running the country. :) Sincerely, Yoselin Teresa Martinez Xonthe, San Francisco

Dear President Obama,

If I were president, I would tell people to not talk too much. It wastes time. If I were the president, you wouldn’t have to pay rent. When you go to the store, you wouldn’t have to pay for sure! I’d also say to war: no more, no more, no more!

Catherine Galvan, age 6, Chicago

A few days after the election of Barack Obama, kids around the country were asked to provide advice and guidance to their new president. In this collection, there's loads advice for the president, often hilarious, sometimes heartfelt, and occasionally downright practical. Students from all over the country reach out to the 44th president, speaking to the issues closest to their hearts, relating their life stories, and asking for help. Topics include the economy, education, war, global warming, race relations in America and immigration. The book also includes letters about snow cones, puppies, microwavable burritos, dinosaur projects, multiplication and the ghost of Abraham Lincoln, reportedly haunting a White House bedroom.

Proceeds benefit 826 National, a network of nonprofit writing and tutoring centers around the country.

Jory John is the programs director at 826 Valencia, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center. He is also the co-author of Pirate's Log, a children's book published by Chronicle Books. Jory has written for The San Francisco Chronicle, The Believer and for the internationally syndicated comic strip "Dennis the Menace."