Ready to Go Book Display: Voting

Welcome to our series, "Ready to Go! Book Display." Once a month we'll highlight the latest or greatest for every age group that you can promote within your library or order for your collection. This month we are showcasing voting related books.

Recommendations for Adults

 

Thank You for Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth about Voting in America by Erin Geiger Smith (Jun 2020)

A journalistic examination of the ongoing fight for voting equality shares insights into why so few Americans vote, citing the role of corporations in encouraging vote turnout while outlining innovative approaches to voter education and motivation.

 

 

The Voter File by David Pepper (Jun 2020)

Investigating a grad student's claims about an impossible election result, disgraced reporter Jack Sharpe uncovers the activities of vote database hackers before finding himself questioning the country he loves and the president he admires.

 

 

The Hidden History of the War on Voting: Who Stole Your Vote, and How to Get it Back by Thom Hartmann (Feb 2020)

America's number one progressive radio host Thom Hartmann looks at our country's long and troubled voting history, analyzing the disenfranchisement of its citizens, particularly people of color, women, and the poor, and showing what we can do to ensure everyone has a voice in this democracy. 

 

 

Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College by Jesse Wegman (Mar 2020)

Citing the major elections that have been won by candidates who lost the popular vote, a New York Times editorial board member outlines arguments for eliminating the Electoral College and making individual citizen votes count.

Recommendations for Teens

 

Drawing the Vote: The Illustrated Guide to the Importance of Voting in America by Tommy Jenkins (Apr 2020)

Coinciding with the 2020 US presidential election, Drawing the Vote looks at the history of voting rights in the United States, and how it has affected the way we vote today.

 

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert (Jul 2020)

The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of one crazy day, fall in love.

 

 

One Person, No Vote: How Not All Voters are Treated Equally by Carol Anderson (Sep 2019)

Carol Anderson chronicles the rollbacks to African American participation in the vote since the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

 

Votes of Confidence: A Young Person's Guide to American Elections by Jeff Fleischer (May 2016)

A reference for teen students provides information about the past, present, and future of American elections.

 

 

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli (Feb 2020)

Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate.

 

 

You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (Jun 2020)

Volunteering at a voter registration call center, a teen who has planned out her entire Ivy League life clashes with an underprivileged caller with opposing political views over a series of conversations that gradually lead to a friendship and something more.

Recommendations for Kids

 

Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen (Feb 2020)

A powerful look at the evolution of voting rights in the United States, from our nation's founding to the present day.

 

 

Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel (Jan 2012)

Bad Kitty decides to run for President of the Neighborhood Cat Association.

 

 

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio (Jan 2008)

Grace campaigns for president of her grade, but when her competition seems to have the support of all the male voters, she must use all her campaigning skills to win them over by showing that she is the best person for the job.

 

 

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton (Apr 2012)

An elephant and a donkey argue over who should be voted as the Big Cheese.

 

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman (Jan 2020)

Explains the concept of voting and why people participate in elections.

 

 

Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara (Feb 2020)

The students of Stanton Elementary School, which is a polling place, find out all they can about voting and then encourage everyone in their neighborhoods to cast their ballots.

 

 

Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy! by Ruth Spiro (Apr 2020)

A simple, fact-filled introduction for the smallest activists on how to participate in a democracy by making your voice heard and voting.