Young Citizens

"You're never too young for democracy"
 The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Several books for young people published in 2020 are excellent resources for raising awareness of and starting conversations about the voting process. Titles run the gamut from picture books and graphic novels to books for young adults. Each are opportunities for encouraging kids and teens to become involved in the political process.

A Vote is a Powerful Thing
by Catherine Stier ill by Courtney Dawson

The Vote is a Powerful Thing introduces youngsters to the voting process.

Callie’s class is learning about elections. Their teacher explains that participation in the selection of leaders and governing laws is important. Knowing this, the students decide to vote on an issue of current school-related interest. The class will plan a field trip. Where should they go?
Lynn suggests a trip to the local cookie factory. Callie knows about her grandmother’s interest in the Wilderness Park and recommends visiting this nature preserve. She sets to work, hoping to convince classmates to select her proposed destination. She searches for information about the park, its creation, purpose, and preservation. She makes promotional materials and prepares a speech. Lynn is following a similar pattern, advocating for the cookie factory.
The ballots are cast and counted. After a moment of uncertainty, Wilderness Park wins the election by one vote.

Stier uses an election scenario that is easy to understand and could be recreated in a classroom or home school setting. Dawson’s charming illustrations represent a diverse array of young faces.

Back matter consists of basic voter information Additional information on wilderness parks is a nice touch.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 1, 2020  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN: 978-0807584989

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents  
​by Kate Messner ill by Adam Rex

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents is set in a museum that closely resembles the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Visitors explore the halls, looking back at history and then imagining what might happen in the future. Kids are reminded one or more of them could be a future president.

Rex uses a mixed media approach. Black line drawings mix with realistic portraits as well as stylized color wash renderings. The variety of styles reinforce a sense of traveling through time. A limited color palette consisting of various shades of red and blue gives a unifying visual effect. ​

Word bubbles and short descriptive passages offer fascinating factoids. ​Clever numbering system creates its own game to engage readers: find each numeral and arrange the list of presidents in sequential order. ​

​Back matter is a treasure trove of supplemental information including a United States Map that charts presidential birthplaces. Additional resources consist of the requirements to be president of the United States, a note on the changing face of the American Presidency, suggested books for young readers, and an extensive bibliography for older readers. Messner offers an excellent pictorial review of American political history.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: March 24, 2020  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1452174884

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel
by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levison  art by Ally Shwed

The Levinsons' seminal study of the U. S. Constitution, particularly an examination of the document’s potential flaws was published in 2010.
Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel presents the same information in comic book format, primarily with panels that are interspersed interspersed with maps and infographics. The result is a concise, highly readable US Constitution primer.

Text alternates between historical background and contemporary applications of decisions that were made by the founding fathers.

Format generally follows a configuration of horizontally organizing each page into thirds. Square and rectangular panels fit neatly within this structure. Chapter headings and an occasional concept use the full page. ​This structure offers concise chunks of information that are easy to digest and understand.

The color palette is primarily shades of red and blue against a white background. Informational text is presented in deep yellow boxes. Characters offer supporting information and details within speech balloons.

Shwed's illustrations are clever and engaging. For example, a sports analogy is used to show the process of amending the constitution. It looks like playbook complete with diagrams that are surrounded by referees and cheerleaders in colonial attire.

The Levinsons’ concluding consideration of the constitution is presented in text format. The authors agree on some issues and disagree on others. It is helpful to find a dialogue with opposing viewpoints presented in a respectful manner. A bibliography rounds out the backmatter.

​Electronic copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 22, 2020  Publisher: First Second  ISBN: 978-1250211613

The Voting Booth
​by Brandy Colbert

Boy meets girl. She's a serious student and advocate for voting rights. He's not sure where to vote. Fortunately for him, this activist comes to his rescue. The story takes place in one day with visits to multiple polling places and working through a mammoth amount of regulations. However, before the day is over he votes.

When your hero is Fannie Lou Hamer, voting is not optional. It's vital. Marva Sheridan has devoted her efforts to understanding the voting process and helping people register to vote. She is disappointed when her white boyfriend Alec decides that he will not be voting.

Duke Crenshaw comes from a family of civic-minded citizens. He knows that voting is the right thing to do. If only it weren't so complicated. Marva is precisely the guide to help him through the election rules and red tape.

During the day this unlikely pair discover that their interest is in more than the ballot box. There is definitely a mutual attraction that extends beyond a lesson in civics.

Race and socioeconomic status are a part of the subtext running throughout the narrative. ​Duke is the son of a black father and white mother. Marva attends an exclusive private school and is the daughter of an affluent Black family.

Colbert provides information on U.S. elections including how to register to vote and what to do when there is a problem on election day. The message is clear: even if there are obstacles in the election process, don't give up the right to cast your ballot and make your voice heard.

The Voting Booth is a sweet romance. Bonus: meet an adorable kitten named Eartha Kitty who has a huge Instagram following.

Audiobook accessed via Hoopla.

Pub date: July 7, 2020  Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion  ISBN: 978-1368053297