Tarrytown resident and Presidential Leadership Scholar David Baumwoll has released a new children’s chapter book, Ruthie for the People: Saving Friendship Tree!, which introduces young readers to the core values of democracy through adventure, friendship and community action.
Baumwoll is a lawyer, non-profit leader, civic tech entrepreneur and former teacher dedicated to helping young readers engage with big ideas through stories that spark imagination and inspire action. Ruthie for the People is the first in a planned series exploring democracy and civic engagement for children.
The story follows Ruthie, a determined young girl who rallies her friends and neighbors to save the beloved Friendship Tree in their town. Along the way, Ruthie and her peers learn what it means to have a voice, work together, and fight for what they believe in — key lessons for citizenship and democracy. Despite the serious subject matter, Ruthie is told in a way that is fun, accessible, and inspiring for children.
“Kids are never too young to learn that their voices matter,” Baumwoll says.
Through Ruthie’s story, Baumwoll hopes to inspire kids to understand the role they can have in shaping our communities and nation in the future. “Before we know it, we’ll be passing the torch to the next generation, asking them to safeguard and care for our democracy. By following Ruthie’s journey, this book strives to introduce kids to these concepts and prepares them to become active, involved citizens.”
Illustrated by Brooklyn-based artist, and cousin, Rebecca Baumwoll, Ruthie helps show young readers how cooperation, fairness, and participation can create real change in their communities.
Ruthie for the People: Saving Friendship Tree! blends entertainment with civic education, encouraging children to think about the world around them and their role in shaping it. The book is available on Amazon.
