14 Children's Books on Voting

Voting is the right of every American over the age of 18. Moms Clean Air Force Ohio field organizer, Laura Burns shares some of her fun and informative children’s book picks to help teach kids about the importance of voting.

“I think one of my favorite ways to talk about issues with kids is to go to the library.”

~ Laura Burns

Laura’s Picks:

	Vote! by Eileen Christelow With great illustrations, this book uses one town’s mayoral election to explain how the voting process works. It includes a timeline of the history of voting in the U.S., a glossary of words associated with voting, a discussion of American political parties, and a list of Internet resources.
	One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth As part of the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote is an engaging easy read – recommended to read aloud to younger kids or for them to read. Accompanying activities are available through Scholastic.
	Duck for President by Doreen Cronin Funny and light, Duck for President is sure to get laughs while informing young audiences about campaigns and the election process, all through the lens of a lively group of farm animals. Accompanying activities and resources are available through Scholastic.
	See How They Run by Susan E. Goodman Intended for upper elementary to middle school aged readers, See How They Run digs into campaigns throughout history and explores candidates who have run for office through the years. It reviews the political parties and how they’ve helped to build the political world we have today.
	Today on Election Day by Catherine Stier Explore the voting process and the history of voting in Today on Election Day. Digging into the history of voting is important because it helps kids understand that voting matters.
	Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton Vote for Me! is a tongue-in-cheek cute read. The book introduces the reader to the different political parties using elephant and donkey protagonists.
	If I Were President by Catherine Stier A fun read with beautiful illustrations. Using a cast of multicultural children, the book explores the story of what it means to be president. The little girl (who is president) even learns what it is like for the president’s dog when she takes office.
	Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport This book is inspiring for young readers as they learn the story behind Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hard work to secure women’s voting rights in U.S. With the 100th anniversary of the fight for women’s suffrage coming up in 2020, it’s a timely read!
	Madam President by Catherine Thimmesh Written by the author of Girls Think of Everything this book spans the history of the U.S., focusing on the story of women who worked in politics. This engaging book highlights the bravery and temerity of women who have come before us. With captivating quotes and elegant illustrations, the book not only shows how far women have come, but also reveals the many unsung roles women have played in political history. This is a good read for older kids.
	Every Vote Matters by Natalie Jacobs and Judge Thomas A Jacobs Every Vote Matters is recommended for older children. It’s an excellent resource that guides readers through the election process – from student elections all the way up to the Supreme Court. (Bonus: It’s written by a judge!)
	So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George Who doesn’t want to be president at some time in their life?! This fun read takes young readers through the process of becoming president, while learning about the history of elections in the U.S.
	Granddaddy’s Turn by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein This endearing story follows a gentleman in the deep south, highlighting the civil rights movement and the right of African Americans to vote.
	Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter Lillian’s Right to Vote is a tearjerker. The book shares the story of Grandma Lillian and the struggles of African Americans to gain the right to vote. The story highlights the sense of greatness that the right to vote carries.
	Around America to Win the Vote by Mara Rockliff The story of suffragists unfolds in this fun, lighthearted read. It follows two women (and a kitten!) around the U.S. to win the right to vote.