Families who loved Bringing Down a President: The Watergate Scandal by Andrea Balis often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts asking tough questions about whether leaders always tell the truth or how our country handles people who break the rules. This unique history uses a screenplay format and real transcripts to show the Watergate scandal as it actually unfolded. It tackles deep themes of integrity, accountability, and the importance of a free press in a way that feels like a fast paced thriller. Because it relies on primary sources, it helps middle grade readers develop critical thinking skills while exploring the emotional weight of shame and the restoration of justice. It is an excellent choice for a preteen ready to move beyond simple heroes and villains into the complex reality of civic responsibility.
