Below, Ms. Cavatica and Mr. Nothing accept their nominations.

Some race! I’m very honored to accept the presidential nomination. With a proactive, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving — evident in my curriculum vitae — my administration will ensure access to quality education for all of our nation’s young people. Furthermore, I’m confident that Mr. Nothing, no ordinary also-ran, will make a simply terrific collaborator in this great work.

— Democratic presidential nominee Charlotte A. Cavatica,
Charlotte’s Web

Compatriots and Countrymen: I accept this nomination with equal parts euphoria and humility, my baser indulgence of emotions (the breast-swelling display of pride being indicative of the former) tempered by heartfelt respect and boundless admiration for my fellow candidates, nay, kinsmen, as loathe am I to stamp such worthy personages with the label of adversary, our souls and minds so allied in common cause to the betterment of our Nation

— Democratic vice presidential nominee Octavian Nothing,
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation, Vols. I & II

The post KidLit Election 2012: Democratic primary results are in! appeared first on The Horn Book.

Our Democratic candidates Octavian Nothing, Joey Pigza, Charlotte A. Cavatica, and Heather have presented their presidential platforms for your consideration.

Now it’s time to exercise your right to vote! The Democratic polls open now and close at noon tomorrow, Friday, September 7^th.

We invite you to campaign for your favorite candidate or nominate another (of any party) in the comments on any KidLit Election 2012 post. There’s also a space provided on the ballot to write in a candidate option of your own — Democrats only this time around, please; third parties welcome in our final vote in November.

We’ll announce the Democratic ticket tomorrow afternoon.

Read the acceptance speeches by Republican nominee Jamie Kincaid and running mate Edward Cullen here. Click the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all of our election coverage.

The post KidLit Election 2012: Democratic primary polls OPEN NOW appeared first on The Horn Book.

Thank you. Yes, Mamas Jane and Kate are doing fine, still doctoring and hammering away at the SisterCrone Retirement Village, so you know I’m not about to let anything happen to Social Security anytime soon. I can count a lot higher than two now — heck, Troy and I have FOUR kids — and I know that American families of every size and stripe need good programs — from Head Start to strong schools to vital public universities — to help them succeed in our difficult financial times. And this can be done with fiscal responsibility: my economics degree and subsequent successful career as CEO and chief number-cruncher at Black & Decker and Garnier Nutrisse make me the right woman for the job.

— Heather,
Heather Has Two Mommies

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Democratic candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Democratic ballot Thursday, September 6^th, and close at noon on Friday, September 7^th. Look for our announcement of the winning Democratic presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Last week, the Republican candidates had their say; see the results of their primary here. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from Heather, Democratic presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.

Salutations! With my long history of literacy outreach, it’s no surprise that I am a lover of words. A brighter future for our nation depends on a single, exceptional word: E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N.  We all have to pick up a living somehow. Human, pig, or spider, one finds it far easier to attain an occupation both fulfilling and valuable to society when one is well educated. Some are fortunate enough to have their meals brought to them in pails. Most of us live by our wits. And in order to survive — to thrive — by our wits, those wits must be sharp. A vote for Charlotte is a vote for intelligence.

— Charlotte A. Cavatica,
Charlotte’s Web

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Democratic candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Democratic ballot Thursday, September 6^th, and close at noon on Friday, September 7^th. Look for our announcement of the winning Democratic presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Last week, the Republican candidates had their say; see the results of their primary here. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from Charlotte A. Cavatica, Democratic presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.

I’m not going to lie: being “wired” runs in my family. I always need to be active, so quick access to doctors and the right meds and Band-Aids is really important to keep me calm. My mom taught me to think about good things when I’m starting to get out of control, and there is one good thing I want to tell you about today. It’s a plan called universal healthcare, or “UH,” as I like to call it. Sure, there’d be a lot of rules to follow, but I like rules and I’m really good at math, and this plan would mean everyone gets to go to the doctor and take meds when they need them and not have to worry about how much everything costs. This plan is the key to a healthier us — no more pencil sharpening “accidents”! — and isn’t that what’s most important? So: “Vote for Joey Pigza, the ‘UH’ Candidate!”

— Joey Pigza,
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Democratic candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Democratic ballot Thursday, September 6^th, and close at noon on Friday, September 7^th. Look for our announcement of the winning Democratic presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Last week, the Republican candidates had their say; see the results of their primary here. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from Joey Pigza, Democratic presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.

Brethren and patriots of our vaunted nation: Having decimated the rampant scourge of smallpox and heaved off the yoke of Mother England (the term so used by myself in ironic jest, for not hardly could the warm constitution of motherhood be aptly applied to that monarchical State), I regret to affirm that we find ourselves beshadowed by an encroaching threat: the scurrilous repression of unchained speech. To invoke the words and deeds of our esteemed forefathers, themselves guided by the profound wisdom of classical antiquity

— Octavian Nothing,
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vols. I & II

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Democratic candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Democratic ballot Thursday, September 6^th, and close at noon on Friday, September 7^th. Look for our announcement of the winning Democratic presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Last week, the Republican candidates had their say; see the results of their primary here. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from Octavian Nothing, Democratic presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.

Gosh, I’m happy to accept the presidential nomination. I’ve been called a pinchpenny and a cheapskate, but fiscal accountability is the secret to my personal success. I think we can all agree there’s no place for extravagance in our nation’s finances — it’s our money we’re spending, and right now moderation is what we need the most. My administration will put an end to the baloney happening in the American economy today. Kincaid/Cullen 2012!

— Republican presidential nominee Jamie Kincaid,
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

In all my centuries, never before have I seen a society that has so lost its way. What is now required is the firm hand of guidance that only an abstemious vampire can provide. As your vice president, I will not rest (not that I need to) until America has been ridden of vice.

— Republican vice presidential nominee Edward Cullen,
Twilight series

The post KidLit Election 2012: Republican primary results are in! appeared first on The Horn Book.

Our Republican candidates Edward Cullen, Jamie Kincaid, and Janie Gibbs have presented their presidential platforms for your consideration. (A fourth candidate has withdrawn.)

Now it’s time to make your voice heard! Voting on the Republican ballot opens now and closes at noon tomorrow, Friday, August 31^st.

We invite you to campaign for your favorite candidate or nominate another of any party in the comments on any KidLit Election 2012 post. On the ballot you may also write in a candidate option of your own — Republicans only this time around, please; third parties welcome in the final vote in November!

We’ll announce the winning Republican presidential candidate and his or her running mate tomorrow afternoon, so stay tuned! See all of our election coverage by clicking the tag KidLit Election 2012.

The post KidLit Election 2012: Republican primary polls OPEN NOW appeared first on The Horn Book.

My presidential candidacy can be summed up in one word: boom! Most politicians are liars and, as my friend Harriet would say, finks, but I’m here to blow the lid off government by taking a hard line against parents, phonies, and forced participation in dance class. I’m a scientist, but not one of those do-gooder types; I say mix chemicals first, ask questions later. Any traitors or spies in my administration will be dealt with accordingly.

— Janie Gibbs,
Harriet the Spy

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Republican candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Republican ballot Thursday, August 30^th, and close at noon on Friday, August 31^st. Look for our announcement of the winning Republican presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Beginning next Tuesday, September 4^th, the Democrats will have their say. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from Janie Gibbs, Republican presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.

Right now Washington politics is for the birds! No one there can agree on anything. Nothing EVER gets accomplished. And pige— I mean, people don’t get what they want! In the past, I’ve been a victim of this injustice. I’ve lived on the streets and known hardship. But I’m no longer willing to sit back on my tail feathers; it’s time to take a stand. Individuals should get what they ask for! I’ll protect rights! I won’t back down in the face of partisan pressure! I won’t take “NO” for an answer! I’ll make it happen! THE PIGEON WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!

For the sake of the unity of the party that made this country great, I am withdrawing my candidacy. The fact that Edward Cullen has demanded a copy of my long-form birth certificate means nothing. NOTHING. PIGEONS DON’T HAVE BIRTH CERTIFICATES YOU FREAK OF NATURE!!!

— The Pigeon

This post is part of our ongoing Horn Book KidLit Election 2012 coverage. This week, Republican candidates present their platforms; polls will open for the Republican ballot Thursday, August 30^th, and close at noon on Friday, August 31^st. Look for our announcement of the winning Republican presidential candidate and his or her running mate Friday afternoon. Beginning next Tuesday, September 4^th, the Democrats will have their say. Click on the tag KidLit Election 2012 to see all posts.

The post A message from The Pigeon, Republican presidential candidate appeared first on The Horn Book.