We hope these selections serve to educate and encourage a dialogue on topics of voting in the US, from ongoing fights for equal voting rights and fair elections to the inner workings of our electoral processes.
Citizen Baby: My Vote by Megan E. Bryant
“Citizen Baby knows a thing or two about voting. It’s important to meet the candidates (they love babies!) and to call voters. Plus, you get a sticker at the polls!” This adorable and informative board book features babies and families from a variety of backgrounds. The illustrations are bright and engaging and feature digital illustrations that complement the text.
Available Formats: Book
Go Vote, Baby by Nancy Lambert
This interactive board book features thirteen sliding doors that introduce the concept of voting to our youngest readers. Little ones will enjoy choosing “striped or polka dot socks in the morning, vanilla or chocolate ice cream at snack time, and many more exciting choices.”
Available Formats: Book
Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote by Herman Parish
When Amelia Bedelia runs into her principal, Mr. K., and plants the idea that students should vote on the rules, he decides that her class should be the first to come up with new ideas for running the school. What could make school even better? How about the chance to consider fun choices, having a voice, running for office, working together, and finally voting? In this picture book bright comic illustrations capture the bubbly character of Amedia Bedelia and all the fun of a school election.
Available Formats: Book
Curious George Votes by Deirdre Langeland
In this picture book Curious George learns about elections. Curious George and his friend the Man with the Yellow Hat are visiting the elementary school just in time to see the kids voting for their new school mascot. George can’t resist getting in on the fun. He learns about the candidates, collects campaign stickers, and casts a lot of ballots.
Available Formats: Book
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
When Duck gets tired of working for Farmer Brown, his political ambition eventually leads to his being elected President. Humorous text paired with bright, bold illustrations makes this picture book a joy to read.
Available Formats: Book, Audiobook (Hoopla)
Around America to Win the Votes by Mara Rockliff
Author Mara Rockliff tells the story of two suffragettes in this informational picture book. Meet Nell Richardson and Alice Burke as they set out from New York City in a little yellow car, embarking on a bumpy, muddy, unmapped journey ten thousand miles long. They took with them a teeny typewriter, a tiny sewing machine, a wee black kitten, and a message for Americans all across the country: Votes for Women! This historical story comes to life with Hadley Hooper’s bright joyful illustrations.
Available Formats: Book, Audiobook (Hoopla)
Vote for Me! : The Right Choice is Elephant! by Ben Clanton
The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. The tension mounts as the election progresses and these two quarrelsome candidates resort to slinging mud (literally) and flinging insults. And what happens when the election results are in? Well, let’s just say the donkey and the elephant are in for a little surprise. Comic style illustrations and a blue and red color palette highlight the satirical elements of this picture book. Funny dialogue will have young readers laughing and can open up further conversation about our election process.
Available Formats: Book
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
This charming picture books follows Grace, an amazing elementary student that decides to run for school office when she discovers there has never been a female president. Upbeat text looks at the election process and beautiful digital artwork highlight this character’s courage.
Available Formats: Book, Audiobook (Hoopla)
When Penny Met POTUS by Rachel Marie Ruiz
Who or what is POTUS? Penny’s mother works for this mysterious acronym and Penny is determined to learn more. Explore the White House and position of POTUS through the eyes of Penny as she interviews staff and seeks to unmask this mysterious person. The humorous text pairs well with vibrant digital illustrations in this picture book.
Available Formats: Book, Audiobook (Hoopla)
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter
This timely picture book reflects on the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to extend and protect the voting rights of African Americans in the United States. An elderly woman, Lillian recalls that her great-great-grandparents were sold as slaves in front of a courthouse where only rich white men were allowed to vote, then the long fight that led to her right–and determination–to cast her ballot since the Voting Rights Act gave every American the right to vote. Beautiful, bold illustrations add poignancy to this character’s reflections and encourage the reader to reflect on injustices and the efforts of community to overcome them.
Available formats: Ebook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
V Is for Voting by Kate Farrell
This picture book is a playful primer that introduces concepts of our democracy using the alphabet. Explore concepts around social justice and civil rights and the importance of casting your vote. Beautiful illustrations highlight the importance of activism around voting rights, while complementing the poetic text.
Available Formats: Book
She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown and Eric Velasquez
This picture book biography looks at a trailblazing candidate for the 1972 presidential election. Learn about the life and successes of Shirley Chisholm, who became the first Black woman to seek the presidency of the United States. She pushed for laws that helped women, children, students, poor people, farm workers, Native people, and others who were often ignored. She fought for healthcare. She spoke up for military veterans. Shirley Chisholm, a woman of many firsts, was an unforgettable political trailblazer, a candidate of the people and catalyst of change who opened the door for women in the political arena and for the first Black president of the United States. Realistic illustrations capture the highlights of this woman’s career and life.
Available Formats: Book
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen
This informational picture book looks at the evolution of voting rights in the United States, from our nation’s founding to the present day. The digital paintings feature a bold color palette that complements the thoughtful text and struggle for equal voting rights.
Available Formats: Book
I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman
This informative picture book looks at the importance of choices. Every time you make a choice, you can say that you voted for it. This simple and lighthearted introduction to voting moves from making choices about food and fun to the steps and strategies involved in choosing a classroom pet. It then explains how those same principles apply when we choose and vote for leaders at the local, state, and national level. Comic style illustrations add a touch of whimsy to this weighty subject for our younger readers.
Available Formats: Book
Pedro for President by Fran Manushkin
This playful book for beginning readers explores the electoral process during a school election. Pedro runs for class president against his friend Katie Woo. Simple sentences accompany playful cartoon illustrations.
Available Formats: Book
Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel
Explore voting in this funny feline tale featuring Bad Kitty. It’s time to elect a new president of the Neighborhood Cat Coalition! Who will win the election? The candidate chosen by the kitties on the right side of the street or the candidate chosen by the kitties on the left side of the street? When election time rolls around, one candidate will discover that she never bothered to register to vote and the entire election will be decided by a surprise, last minute absentee ballot sent by Old Kitty. A great beginning chapter book, which features black and white illustrations adding depth to this election story.
Available Formats: Book
What’s the Big Deal About Elections by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner
This informational book looks at how elections happen from the local level to our national election. Current processes share space with historical facts making this an interesting read for elementary students.
Available formats: Ebook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote by Kirsten Gillibrand
This informational picture book features biographies on ten different woman that helped women win the right to vote. Some of the ten women who fought hard to gain the right to vote in the United States: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Inez Milholland. Beautiful painted portraits of each woman grace the start of their biography. Each features bright colors that capture the individuals passion, courage and determination.
Available formats: Ebook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
President of the Whole Fifth Grade by Sherri Winston
This fantastic series follows Brianna Justice, a spunky middle schooler, that runs for class president. Follow her into sixth grade as she learns the qualities of a true leader. These chapter books will sure to delight readers.
Available formats: Ebook (Overdrive Media on Demand)
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