Ten Election Books for Kids!
As a kid, I loved social studies. As a young adult, I was a German and International Studies major at Denison University. When I graduated, I spent 2 years working on Capitol Hill for a moderate Republican congressman. Then, I went on to teach the United States Constitution to 7th graders in Wilmette. As a gun violence prevention advocate, I have learned so much about the differences between local, state and federal entities. Needless to say, I feel a deep commitment to our democracy and to the rights AND responsibilities every human has. I also had a grandmother who voted in every election, because when she was a child, women still hadn’t obtained the right to vote.
With all of these life experiences in mind, I have curated a list of some of my favorite election books. Please e-mail me with some of your favorite election books! We will be reading a lot in the next few weeks.
The Sad Little Fact by Jonah Winter & Pete Oswald (2019): Facts bring us out of the darkness. “Meanwhile, a bunch of lies created by the Authorities were taking over the world outside the box. They too called themselves “facts” but they weren’t.” This picture book is perfect for this dark era of disinformation. (Pre-K-4th)
Leo’s First Vote by Christina Soontornvat & Isabel Roxas (2024): This picture book felt like a warm, democratic hug. Leo’s dad has just become a U.S. citizen and he learns where to register to vote, where his polling place is and how important his vote truly is. Stay in line, people! (Pre-K-5th)
The Walk by Winsome Bingham (2023): I reviewed this amazing picture book last year: check it out! This book is a must-read! Winsome is a black female veteran and a prolific author. (Pre-K-5th)
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio & LeUyen Pham (2012): This is a fun story about a girl named Grace who decides to run for class president. Inspired by the fact that there has never been a woman president, she creates a comprehensive plan and a strong campaign. This book does an excellent job teaching the electoral college. (Pre-K through 8th)
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy & Elizabeth Baddeley (2016): Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my hero and an icon. Her life’s work was advocating for women and asserting that we deserve equal rights. And, sadly, the work continues to be relevant and important. (Pre-K through 8th)
What is Democracy by Kevin Winn (2024): This is a bare bones description of democracy. It gives the history of democracy in the United States. It includes a picture of the January 6th attack and describes the current fragile state of our democracy. (2nd grade through 8th)
When You Grow Up to Vote by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel & Illustrated by Grace Lin (2018): Eleanor Roosevelt is another woman I admire deeply. This chapter book gives a short and sweet synopsis of local government jobs, state government and how a law is made, the federal government, taxes and their purpose, and elections!! (3rd grade through 8th)
How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and their big idea by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (2020): This book is filled with primary sources, mostly photos. I was shocked that my second grader demanded to keep reading this long nonfiction picture book. In fact, even my Kindergartener enjoyed this! Women were vilified, beaten and imprisoned for demanding the right to vote. Now, we look back on these activists fondly, but remember that most activists are deemed “bad actors” while they are protesting. Only after they achieve their goal, they are celebrated. (3rd grade through 8th)
The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith (2023): Take action and raise awareness through art, music and writing! I love the illustrations in this picture book. (Pre-K-5th)
March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell (2013): I love this graphic novel trilogy about John Lewis’s life fighting for civil and human rights for all. We must remember how easily human rights can be taken away. (6th-12th)
Heart & Head: I wish more people knew about the inner workings of our governmental systems. I wish more people were actively involved in advocating for policies that will give our kids a safer and healthier world. Everyone thinks someone else is advocating for clean air & water, freedom from gun violence, strong, equitable public schools. I can attest the impassioned advocates are a small handful of people. I would love to see more people step off the sideline and champion a cause that will enrich the lives of all children in our country and around the world. And, please, encourage everyone you know to vote.