by Mark Shulman (Author) Serge Bloch (Illustrator)
This witty, nonpartisan book helps explain the concept of voting to the youngest readers.
I Voted explains the concept of choosing, individually, and as a group, from making a simple choice: "Which do you like better, apples or oranges?", to selecting a class pet, to even more complicated decisions, like electing community representatives.
You may not always get want you want, but there are strategies to better your odds!
Serge Bloch's effortless and charming illustrations paired with Mark Shulman's funny and timely text create a perfect resource for discussing current events with your children.
Now with added information about mail-in voting! Backmatter includes information about the United States electoral process.
Selected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
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Bloch's balletic ink line--punctuated with color washes and textural elements in red, white, and blue--and Shulman's crisp prose means there'll be no sleeping through this civics class. Beginning with simple personal choices ("Markers or crayons?") and then a communal decision (deciding on a class pet) the creators explain the mechanics of voting and how to work for a specific result: "You can talk to people who want something different./ Maybe you will change their mind./ Maybe they will change yours." The editorial cartooning consistently strikes a fine balance between gravitas and fancy: to show why voting matters, Bloch offers up two enticing doorways, one that reads "FREE FOR KIDS" and one that scans "NO KIDS ALLOWED!" Enjoining readers to engage in grown-ups' elections ("Listen. Read. Talk. Ask"), the text concludes with an overview of government branches. A simple volume with a vital message: "If you don't vote, you don't get to choose." Ages 4-8. (Jan.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Gr 1-3--This delightful picture book introduces young readers to the process of voting. Readers learn that voters must gather information, have conversations with people who hold opposing views, and collaborate with others who want the same outcome. But win or lose, it's important to take an active part. Shulman's text compares voting for local, state, and national officials to more kid-friendly examples such as choosing an ice cream flavor or deciding on the class pet. Young voters are instructed to "Listen. Read. Talk. Ask. And tell someone who's old enough...to bring you along on Election Day." Bloch's cheerful red, white, and blue illustrations pair perfectly with the text, producing a joyful, engaging book that encourages responsible citizenship. Back matter makes these concepts even more concrete. Specific examples of how all three branches of government work are featured. Shulman reminds readers that civic engagement starts well before the age of 18. VERDICT Purchase for classroom and library collections to encourage the next generation of decision makers.--Jen McConnel, Queen's University, Ont.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.