All About Voting: A Children's Book List

Voting is one of the most important rights a US citizen has and too often we fail to fully teach the importance of voting to our children. We can fix this error today by taking the time to explain elections and voting to children of all ages. One of the best ways to do that is to read some great books that help clarify the importance of voting.

The American Government is a huge system to understand and Eleanor Roosevelt breaks it down into simple chapters that clearly and accurately describe each unit and process. Updated by her granddaughter Michelle Markel, this book explains the many roles and jobs in the government as well as each citizens abilities to impact and change said government. This book is great for children ages 6-12.

This book tells the story of a fictitious character, Chris Smith, and how she ran for Mayor. Two cute dog narrators guide the reader through the step-by-step process of becoming elected. The book does a great job of explaining the importance of voting and how the US expanded the right to vote to all citizens, no matter their gender or race. Vote! would be a great read for kids ages 6-9.

What's the Big Deal about Elections is a wonderful introduction to the right to vote and the importance of voting. Written in a perfect fashion for young readers, the author creates a wonderful message for children in an easy to understand format. The illustrations are beautifully done and further convey the overall message. This book talks about the basics of government but mainly it focuses on the right to vote and the power of voting. This book would be best for children ages 4-8.

When our nation was first created, voting was a right given only to those of a certain race, gender and wealth. Today, voting is right given to all citizens of the United States and is considered an important part of each individual's personal freedom. But how did we gain those rights and how did our nation change over the many years of its existence. Understanding Your Right to Vote is a wonderful guide through the history of voting and even covers modern day issues. I would recommend this book for children ages 11-17.

~Abigail