Dan Gutman's The Kid Who Ran for President offers a humorous and imaginative tale that captures young readers' attention with its unique premise of a twelve-year-old boy running for president. Critics appreciate its engaging plot and witty narrative, making it enjoyable for middle-grade audiences. However, some reviews note that the story stretches realism and lacks depth in character development.

Readers who enjoyed books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney or Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey will love The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. This humorous and engaging story is perfect for middle-grade children who enjoy lighthearted, imaginative tales with a touch of real-world elements.

In Dan Gutman's The Kid Who Ran for President, 12-year-old Judson Moon decides to run for president of the United States, initially as a joke, with the encouragement of his friend Lane. As Judson's unique campaign captures national attention, he faces typical political hurdles but wins the support of both kids and adults, leading to surprising developments in his unconventional political journey.

Humorous / Adventurous / Playful / Inspirational / Exciting

**Judson Moon**  
A 12-year-old boy with an every-kid appearance who decides to run for president, drawing attention with his charm and candidness.

**Lane Brainard**  
Judson's close friend and campaign manager, known for his organizational skills and strategic thinking.

**June Syers**  
An elderly African American woman and Judson's former babysitter, who becomes his vice-presidential running mate.

**Arthur Krantz**  
A studious peer of Judson, known for his penchant for wearing a tie and his interest in politics, who becomes involved with Judson's campaign.

**Chelsea Daniels**  
Judson's First Lady, known for her striking appearance and media presence, helping to promote his campaign.

**Abby Goldstein**  
A friend of Judson's who is initially overlooked in the campaign due to image concerns.

**Pete Guerra**  
A reporter from the Capital Times who first covers Judson's presidential bid and follows his campaign closely.

**Judson’s Parents**  
Supportive yet somewhat distant figures in Judson's life, who engage with him on the campaign's impact.

Dan Gutman

Middle grade

Novel

The Kid Who Ran for President

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Kid Who Ran for President Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

The Kid Who Ran for President Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-6

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-10

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-12

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-18

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-24

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 23-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-26

The Kid Who Ran for President Chapters 25-26 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Kid Who Ran for President Character Analysis

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Themes

The Kid Who Ran for President Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Kid Who Ran for President Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Kid Who Ran for President Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Kid Who Ran for President Essay Topics

The Kid Who Ran for President

Before You Read

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