Thank You for Voting Young Readers' Edition

October 2, 2020

Gr 5-8-This guide to America's voting history is divided into three parts: "The Stories of How We Got the Vote," "Know Before You Vote," and "How to Get People to Vote." The first part details the history of voting in the United States and the struggles everyone-except for property-owning, white men-have endured in procuring the right to vote. These chapters are dry and uninspiring. The second part explains the importance of voting and discusses topics such as polling and the role of the press in politics and voting. The language is at a middle-grade reader's level. The chapter focusing on the Electoral College is a standout. The final section could engage younger readers when the text examines the "influencers" behind voting and their methods to encourage voting. Chapters like "Young People and Voting" and "Studying Voters: What Gets Them to the Polls?" will speak to readers who already feel a calling to student government. Older middle-grade students who have clear memories of the 2016 election may reflect on their personal experiences and feelings. This could be valuable when applied to ethics or civics lessons. Students could study the 2020 election and voting awareness campaigns, which could lead to discussions on the success or failure of those coordinated efforts. VERDICT This title may not be at the top of your circulation reports, but it will serve a purpose when needed.-Kim Gardner, Fort Worth Country Day Sch., TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 13, 2020
Journalist Geiger Smith’s instructive debut combines a brisk history of voting rights in America with a comprehensive guide on how to vote, and how to convince others to do the same. She details the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and subsequent efforts to disenfranchise black voters, and offers a refreshingly frank look at the campaign to win voting rights for women, acknowledging the racist tendencies of some white suffragists, while still celebrating their grit and accomplishments. Addressing the state of voting today, Geiger Smith highlights such organizations as We Vote Next, which educates young voters on the issues, and individuals including Andaya Sugayan, who visits high schools in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas to register young voters. Geiger Smith also discusses the negative impact of gerrymandering, and explains how to identify trustworthy news sources in order to get the most reliable information before deciding how to vote. Her illuminating and accessible account concludes with a checklist of items to complete before voting. This is an excellent resource for first-time voters and activists hoping to motivate young people to get to the polls. Agent: Daniel Kirschen, ICM Partners.