A Vote Is a Powerful Thing

Gr 2-4--How powerful can one vote really be? Ms. Trask's class is learning all about voting as the November presidential election approaches. In a hands-on learning opportunity, Ms. Trask presents her class with two options for a school field trip: the cookie factory or the wilderness park. To determine where they will go, the class will vote. Callie has many fond memories of the wilderness park; however, the cookie factory has the added allure of free cookies for visitors. Callie decides to run a campaign to show her classmates how great the wilderness park can be, while her classmate Lynn puts together a similarly compelling argument for the cookie factory. In the end, the decision comes down to one important vote. This book helps children make the leap from abstract concept to concrete understanding of the importance of these decisions and why voting matters. Brightly colored illustrations in bold hues form a dynamic backdrop against which this story is told. Each image serves to provide more context for the story, and some illustrations stand alone without text. Middle elementary students will enjoy the blend of complex ideas with accessible language as they learn more about the history of voting. The back matter includes additional information, a time line, and resources for further inquiry. VERDICT This is an inspiring read for children wishing to become more involved in their communities and the voting process.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Callie, a freckled, pigtailed girl, voices this first-person, present-tense picture book narrative about the significance of voting. Callie's teacher, Ms. Trask, makes the upcoming U.S. presidential election digestible for her students by staging a class election to select the location of their next field trip: a wilderness park that Callie loves and campaigns for (her grandmother is working to preserve it), or the cookie factory, represented by classmate Lynn. The class learns how paramount a single vote can be when the decision comes down to a tiebreaker. Textural digital illustrations by Dawson present a diverse portrait of contemporary America. Though the book doesn't explain how the indirect U.S. presidential election differs from Callie's classroom process, it's a galvanizing read for children interested in politics or parents who hope to instill such interests. Back matter includes more information on voting procedures, a timeline highlighting crucial voting rights events, an explanation of the proposition depicted in the book, and resources for further reading. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

STARRED REVIEW! "This book helps children make the leap from abstract concept to concrete understanding of the importance of these decisions and why voting matters...an inspiring read."School Library Journal starred review

"Gets the job done."—Kirkus Reviews

"A galvanizing read for children interested in politics or parents who hope to instill such interests."—Publishers Weekly