All in Favor, Say Aye!
Wave a flag, push some buttons, pick a president, get a STICKER!
Hello beautiful friends! Are y’all registered to vote?
Recently
from dropped this hot list of books about voting, along with telling us her first memory of heading to the ballot. Love her.is a great resource for micro lessons in civics like WTF is the electoral college all about? Plus she just published this post featuring 9 kid books about voting!
I like to take my kids with me when I vote, partially out of necessity, partially because the lines are shorter if I go during regular working hours, partially so we can get 3 stickers, but also so we can talk about what I am doing there and why.
Nearly a year ago I wrote a newsletter about “good laws and bad laws” inspired by the book Freedom on the Menu by Carole Boston Weatherford. Little kids’ lives are governed by rules and ‘laws’ that are put in place by their schools, their parents, their caregivers, and general attempts to keep them alive like “please don’t put that windpipe-sized object in your mouth, OMG.”
At the voting booth, I get to explain that adults also live in a world governed by rules and laws, put in place by our government to keep us from danger. We hope. As a citizen, I get to use my vote to decide who gets to make the rules, and what some of the rules are. And then? We all get stickers.
Kids can’t vote in local, state, or country elections, but that doesn’t make them powerless. Far from it. You can encourage a sense of citizenship in your home by letting your child participate in creating boundaries and rules or letting them come up with ideas for how they can be helpful. If your kid doesn’t love a rule, explain why it is in place and let them stretch their campaigning muscles by coming up with alternative solutions.
Outside of the home, your kid also has power! Think of teen activists like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Mari Copeny. Some of the most incredible stories of change happened when a child stood up for something they felt was unfair or needed to be addressed. And you don’t have to raise a teen activist or tackle giant issues like climate change to make a small difference in the community you live in. Sign up for your local park or river or beach clean-up days, volunteer time for a charity you believe in, if your child learns about something and it bugs them, look into ways you can get involved. Often, the books you check out at the library will have resources to help your family find ways to make sure your kid knows they have a voice, and they should be heard.
If you enjoy this publication, vote for me (wink wink nudge nudge) by giving me a little heart, subscribing, or sharing Library Stax with a friend. Thanks for being here you beautiful humans.
Happy book reading! If you purchase any of these titles through the provided link I get a little commission from bookshop.org at no extra cost to you.
FROM THE STAX
EQUALITY’S CALL by Deborah Diesen illustrated by Magdalena Mora
A right isn't right Till it's granted to all
From the founding of our nation to the present day, this book takes a sweeping look at the history of minority groups fighting for their right to vote. I don’t think you can teach your kids about their voice mattering without explaining the complicated history of our country. As the song-like prose of the story progresses, the illustrated crowd marching for equality grows and grows. Full of soft but powerful illustrations and rhythmic words, this story is sure to spark some conversation.
AMELIA BEDLIA’S FIRST VOTE by Herman Parish illustrated by Lynne Avril
Amelia Bedelia’s class is learning about elections. When she runs into her principal (literally, of course…ouch) she inspires her teacher to create an election where the kids get to make a new rule for school! They come up with ideas, take votes, and even end up with a tie that needs to be broken.
A fun way to engage kids with a simplistic overview of voting, and to encourage kids to get involved in making the rules! This is my first foray into a series where Amelia Bedelia is a kid, and honestly, I think the concept worked better when it is an adult who keeps making silly mistakes by misunderstanding, part of the magic is that feeling as a kid that you understand something the adult main character does not. However, young Amelia is still charming.
IF I RAN FOR PRESIDENT by Catherine Stier illustrated by Lynne Avril
Hey! It is Lynne Avril illustrating again! From the first inkling of the idea to run, all the way through raising funds, campaigning, canvassing, giving speeches, debating, voting, waiting for results, and even kissing babies, this book will take you step by step through running for President.
Packed full of information but presented with a celebratory style, this book and its diverse candidates will have you feeling hopeful about democracy for a cute minute.
JUST HELP by Sonia Sotomayor illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Sonia’s mother started each day by asking "How will you help today?” Follow Sonia as she goes about her day and finds many different opportunities for helping others.
The author starts the book off with a letter to the reader explaining how even little things (and little people), can help make a difference in the big world. Finding small opportunities to help others can inspire big changes in our community and the world beyond.
A VOICE FOR THE SPIRIT BEARS by Carmen Oliver Illustrated by Katy Dockrill
Based on the true story of Simon Jackson, who loved bears ever since he was a small boy with a stutter. His passion for protecting the bears’ natural habitat helped him to find his voice, use it powerfully, and enact real change.
I love how this book has both a story of a kid overcoming their personal struggles while creating a platform for positive change in the world. It helps the whole family feel like they could start today to help save the planet!
MAC & CHEESE, PLEEEEZE! by Eleanor May illustrated by Diane Palmisciano
When Caitlin’s teacher decides to hold an election to determine which cafeteria lunch will be served at the Spring Fest for their school, she is hesitant to get involved. But the more she sees her classmates campaigning, collecting votes, creating posters, and giving stump speeches, the more interested she becomes. Plus, nobody has signed up to represent the best lunch of all: Mac & Cheese.
This book teaches kids about campaign basics and how to win votes (sometimes with a bit of bribery even!) while introducing elementary math concepts. It is a lot of learning packed into a little book, geared at elementary-aged kids. Warning, it might make you hungry for Mac & Cheese. Winner!
DUCK FOR PRESIDENT by Doreen Cronin Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Duck doesn’t love that he has chores. Who decided Farmer Brown was in charge anyway? Duck decides to take matters into his own wing and organizes a vote. But does he like his newly appointed role as Farmer? Or is he in it for something even greater?
A ri-duck-ulous (thanks) and delightful display of voting, I love how this book’s playful repetition brings humor to the recounts being demanded, the taxing role of being in charge, and how it comes full circle…almost.
CHAT WITH ME!
What is your favorite part about voting? Is it the sticker? I love the sticker.
If you and your kid were going to start a campaign to make change, (or if you already have!) what would (or is) it all about?
See you next week! Happy Reading (and registering) Y’all!
Awesome post, Alex! I also recommend Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio.
Thank you for the shout out and I LOVE this list! Duck for President is exactly the type of presidency I would have if I ever became president 🤣