A Vote Is a Powerful Thing

July 6, 2020
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.

June 12, 2020

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.

July 15, 2020
Why voting matters. After learning about the history and importance of voting in her elementary school classroom, narrator and protagonist Callie is smitten by the possibilities of the vote. When her teacher tells the class they will be voting on their class field trip--a choice between the cookie factory (free samples!) or the wilderness park--Callie campaigns for the wilderness park. The park is very important to Callie because it is where she saw her "first swallowtail butterfly," her "first turtle in a pond," and even a great horned owl. Additionally, Callie knows that the park's budget is up for a townwide vote because her grandmother has been out campaigning for the funding. Callie thinks that if the class visits the park, her classmates will experience the beauty of nature and will encourage their families to visit (and support funding) it. Some classmates who have never been to the park don't see why it would be more fun than a cookie factory, but Callie does her research and makes her presentation. Another classmate makes a presentation for the cookie trip. Then comes the vote....The story unfolds smoothly, and the agreeable but undistinguished illustrations feature people of many skin colors, people who use wheelchairs, and a woman in a hijab. Narrator Callie has pale skin and brown hair. Backmatter pages give further voting information (who, how, history timeline) and resources. Gets the job done. (Picture book. 5-10)

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July 1, 2020
A (fictional) story demonstrates the power of voting. As her grandmother campaigns in support of a vote to save the town's wilderness park, Callie participates in her class's election for their next field trip: cookie factory or wilderness park. Callie supports visiting the park and hopes to raise awareness about its importance in their community. Friendly cartoon illustrations show a diverse group of kids engaged in learning and eventually enjoying the winning trip to the wilderness. Information about elections and voting in the US, a voting rights timeline, and lists of related websites and books are appended.

(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)