With Election Day coming up, I wanted to share with you 7 children’s books that focus on voting. Learn more about the beginnings of democracy or take a journey to the poll from award-winning creators. The below book recommendations are great for readers to learn more about activism, elections, and democracy – ranging from picture books to graphic novels to biographies.
THE CAMPAIGN Leila Sales and illustrated by Kim Balacuit MIDDLE GRADE
Veep meets Parks and Recreation in Leila Sales’s The Campaign, a hilarious middle-grade political comedyabout a 12-year-old who runs her babysitter’s campaign for mayor—featuring black-and-white illustrations by Kim Balacuit. “A highly readable, enjoyable, nonpartisan story meant to encourage civic activism amongst middle schoolers”-School Library Journal.
THE WALK: A STROLL TO THE POLL by Winsome Bingham and illustrated by E.B. Lewis PICTURE BOOK
From award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our democracy: the walk to vote—a perfect read aloud. School Library Journal gave it a STARRED review saying its “gorgeous writing paired with luminous art and combined with an impactful message make this work an essential purchase.”
DRAWING THE BALLOT by Tommy Jenkins and illustrated by Kati Lacker GRAPHIC NOVEL
At a time when many citizens are experiencing challenges and apathy about voting and skepticism concerning our bitterly divided government, Drawing the Vote seeks to offer some explanation for how we got here and howevery American can take action to make their vote count.
WE THE PEOPLE! by Don Brown GRAPHIC NOVEL
Award-winning author Don Brown explores the history of democracy in the United States in this installment of the Big Ideas That Changed the World series. Explaining the fundamentals of democracy—liberty, equality, and justice for all—in a kid-friendly way, We the People! is a powerful reminder that power rests in the people’s hands.
SOFIA VALDEZ AND THE VANISHING VOTE by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David CHAPTER BOOK
Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote is fourth in a unique and exciting series of Questioneers chapter books for children, parents, and teachers who want to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fun. “A winning (and timely) addition to the series; sure to delight existing fans and attract new ones as well.” ―School Library Journal
SOFIA VALDEZ, FUTURE PREZ by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts PICTURE BOOK
From Andrea Beaty and David Roberts—the bestselling creators of Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist—Sofia Valdez, Future Prez is a picture book story about a community leader who stands up for what she believes in! “This rhyming romp reminds readers that one young person can make a difference.” ―Kirkus Reviews
BALLOTS FOR BELVA by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Courtney A. Martin PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY
In 1884, when men were the only people allowed to vote in national elections, Belva Lockwood took a bold but legal step: She ran for president! Though her campaign was difficult, Belva never wavered in her commitment to equality, earning the respect of many fellow citizens. A little-known but richly deserving American historical figure, Belva is an inspiration for modern-day readers.