It’s never too early to teach our kids about voting and the election process! But considering this process can be complicated for us as adults, where in the world do we start with our kids!? These 10 picture books about voting in the United States are a great starting point!
10 Picture Books About Voting in the United States
1. v is for Voting
by Kate Farrell and Caitlin Kuhwald
Perfect for the little ones, this offers a whimsical and delightful introduction to democracy. It emphasizes the importance of voting, activism, and being an engaged citizen.
An excellent introduction to what it really looks like to vote.
2. vote for Our Future
by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
This empowering story introduces us to Stanton Elementary School, where every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, it closes for the day and transforms into a polling station. Students see firsthand how adults come to exercise their right to vote.
So while the students are still too young to vote, they learn the importance of being an engaged citizen and look forward to the day when they’ll be able to vote too.
A wonderful way to demonstrate being an involved citizen, even as children.
3. equality’s Call
by Deborah Diesen and Magdalena Mora
This book explores the history of voting rights in the United States, from the founding of the nation to the present day. We’re shown all of the ways that voting rights were denied to most groups of people and the determined individuals and groups that fought for the right to vote.
Honest and direct, this look at history recognizes the injustice and inequality that have always existed but ultimately, celebrates the accomplishments of activists and inspires hope for the continued work that needs to be done in the future.
Does a great job of introducing children to the importance of voting and equality.
4. speak Up!
by Miranda Paul and Ebony Glenn
When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.
Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard!
An inspiring way to empower kids to get involved!
5. grace For President
by Kelly S. DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham
Grace can’t believe that there are no female presidents! She decides she’s going to run for class president against a popular boy at school. What will the outcome be?
Provides a simple way of explaining complicated concepts, like the electoral vs. the popular vote.
6. The Night Before Election Day
by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer
Sweet and charming, this book offers a young citizen’s perspective on politics and Election Day in the United States.
Includes fun and colorful sticker sheet!
7. One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)
by Bonnie Worth, Artistides Ruiz, and Joe Mathieu
Written in simple rhyme, young readers are introduced to the concept and practice of voting. Includes information about the basic principles of democracy, how political parties are made, why Election Day is in November, and other answers to important questions.
Includes 16 pages of activities showing kids how to hold their own elections!
8. I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference
by Mark Shulman and Serge Bloch
This book explains the concept of voting through simple examples that kids can easily grasp. Choosing which fruit they’d prefer and selecting a classroom pet lead to more complicated options like electing political and community representatives.
A simple introduction to voting that young readers will enjoy!
9. The President of the Jungle
by Andre Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, and Pedro Markun
Lately, Lion, King of the Jungle, has been acting selfishly and has not been acting like the best ruler. The other animals have had it and so they decide to hold an election. Once candidates are decided upon, the animals organize rallies, hold debates, and compete with enthusiasm.
A silly, funny, engaging story that instills excitement about the election process!
10. Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans
In this story, we learn about Lilian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, who is making her way to her polling place, to vote.
She reminisces about her family’s history and the struggles faced by all African Americans. She reflects on the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, her great-grandfather voting for the first time, her parents attempting to register to vote, and her own experience marching in a protest from Selma to Montgomery.
A powerful story demonstrating the significance of voting.
For simple ways for you to stay up-to-date on politics, be sure to check out the 6 simple tips I outline in How to Stay Informed About Politics Without Losing Your Mind!
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