You might have heard there’s an election this fall. Have your readers? With this list of fiction and nonfiction titles, you’ll inspire the new voters and future voters in your libraries, classrooms, and living rooms to get involved in the democratic process, understand their voting rights, and use their voices to advocate for their beliefs—now and into the future.
Picture Books
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America
Deborah Diesen, Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Beach Lane Books
2020
Age: 3-8
A look at the history and struggle to secure voting rights in America, focusing on the groups and individuals who fought and continue to fight for equality. This powerful picture book is a call to action for young activists.
Everyone Gets a Say
Jill Twiss, Illustrated by EG Keller
HarperCollins
2020
Age: 4-7
A group of backyard friends can’t agree on anything, so they decide they need a leader to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Choosing one is harder than they ever imagined. Lovely watercolors and friendly creatures deliver the inclusive message that every voice matters and none should be left out.
Vote for Our Future
Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
Random House Studio
2020
Age: 4-8
With their school acting as a polling place, a group of young students learn about the election process and what even those too young to vote can do to make a difference. A vibrant and hopeful story of civic engagement.
Readers and Early Chapter Books
Election Day (Ready to Read Level One)
Margaret McNamara, Illustrated by Mike Gordon
Simon and Schuster/Simon Spotlight
2024
Ages: 4-6
It is class president Election Day in this simple and sweet easy reader. With almost all the candidates making outrageous promises, it’s the new student, promising to do her best that draws votes. Endearing characters in a loosely drawn style prove that sometimes honesty is needed to win the day. Part of the Robin Hill School series.
Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts: Understanding How Our Country Picks Its President
Syl Sobel, J.D.
Sourcebooks
2024
Age: 7-10
An engaging guide to how presidential elections work; packed with fun facts about candidates, past elections, and historical political events. This age appropriate guide uses clear and language and sentence structure to answer complex questions about the election process.
The Protest (Dive into Reading)
Samantha Thornhill, Illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
Lee and Low
2021
Age: 4-7
Their community garden is being torn down to build—you guessed it—a parking lot! Lily and her friends recruit the community to protest in an effort to save their beloved garden. An inspirational story about how even young voices can make change.
Middle Grade
Act
Kayla Miller
Clarion Books
2020
Age: 9-11
Olive learns that not all school policies are fair to all students, and that there might just be something she can do to help—run for student council. This graphic novel centers friendship and students’ ability to effect positive change in their communities.
Drawing the Vote: A Graphic Novel History for Future Voters
Tommy Jenkins, Illustrated by Kati Lacker
Abrams
2022
Ages: 12+
Illustrating the history of voting rights and how they got to where we are today, this informational graphic is perfect for kids that want more easily digestible content.
Make Your Mark, Make Difference: A Kid’s Guide to Standing Up for People, Animals, and the Planet
Joan Marie Galat
Simon and Schuster/Aladdin
2024
Age: 10+
A nonfiction exploration of how to become an activist. From identifying causes you believe in, to using your talents to help, and how to take action (and keep taking it even when things get tough). Inspirational content that will lead passionate young people to become engaged citizens in all areas of the global community.
Weird But True: U.S. Government
Michael Burgan
National Geographic Kids
2024
Age: 8-12
Explore the weird and wacky stories and quirks that make the United States government what it is. From a million dollar offer to increase voter turnout to some of the strangest topics ever covered in a Congressional filibuster, this vibrant title is chock full of funny and head-scratching trivia.
Your Vote Matters: How We Elect the US President
Rebecca Katzman, Illustrated by Ellen Duda
Scholastic
2024
Age: 7-10
This fun and informative explanation of the process introduces elementary schoolers to the election process and just how important their voice is to the outcome. Combining civics, history, and governmental fun-facts (do you know how astronauts vote from space?), kids will cover basic facts about the presidency and government, campaigns, voting, the post-election-day process, and what it means to be president.
Young Adult
Fiction:
Running
Natalia Sylvester
Clarion Books
2020
Age 12+
When Mari’s father runs for president, she gains a whole new perspective on him and on herself. A wonderful conversation starter about public image and what we might not know about elected officials.
Yes, No, Maybe So
Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
HarperCollins
2020
13+
Forced into campaign work by their parents, Jamie and Maya see both the polling results and their relationship grow closer as the election nears. A sweet and funny mix of local activism and romance.
Your Own Worst Enemy
Jack Gordon
HarperCollins
2018
When three candidates for student council president, with three very different ideas, collide on the campaign trail, high school drama ensues. The humor and heart at the core of this story ring true, with a sly bit of satire thrown at US politics in the process.
Nonfiction:
Faults in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today
Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson
Peachtree
2020
12+
An unvarnished and thoughtful look at our constitution, with all its virtues and faults, and suggested solutions to the problems those faults cause today. Decision makers in the 1780s drafted a document true to their time and experiences, never imagining the ways the country would grow and change.
The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World
Lucinda Robb
Candlewick
2020
Age: 12+
A look back at women’s fight for the vote and their tactics that are still in use today—marches, influencers, and petitions—to bring needed attention to the fight for equality. Examining both key figures in the movement and some of the racism and violence that impacted the work, the title will inspire a new generation of young activists.
True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News
Cindy L Otis
Feiwel and Friends
2020
Age: 13+
An exploration of the history and impact of disinformation, propaganda, and bias in journalism and other information resources. This guide to media literacy will help readers spot fake news and provide tips on combating it.
You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Return Power to the People
Elizabeth Rusch
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2020
12+
A clear-eyed examination of the problems with our government and actionable ways for young people to be part of their solution. A call to action for anyone looking for actionable ways to bring change to the system and equality to the vote.
Votes of Confidence: A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections (3rd Edition)
Jeff Fleisher
Zest Books
2024
Age 12+
Exploring the past, present and future of elections, this nonfiction guide to the election process will inspire young people to understand why election matter and how they can get involved. A nonpartisan guide to understanding the process, free of the misinformation and bias that’s more common in social media and online news sites.
