Books about Voting for Kids
With another election upon us, I’ve been researching kids books about voting and elections. There are sooo many. Here is the list of my favorites. Some are classics that have been around and stand the test of time. Some are brand new, hot off the press. Some are for older kids (including students of junior high and even high school), some will be great to use with younger children. Let’s dive in!
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You may also like this list of Active Ways to Teach Kids about Voting (for kids of all ages).
Scroll to the end of the post to see my absolute favorite kid’s book about voting that I have used time and again with kids ages 5-12.
Hot off the press we have Leo’s First Vote by one of my favorite children’s authors, Christina Soontornvat. Ages 4-8
Get out the vote! In this kid-friendly picture book introduction to voting and elections, Leo's father teaches him about the importance of every single vote, and how to use their voices to uplift their community.
Leo's dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can't wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it'll take Leo's class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters.
This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper
What is a Presidential Election? by Douglas Yacka—Part of the “What Is…?” series.
Ages 8-12
This revised edition (updated for the 2024 election) explains American presidential campaigns and includes stickers, activities, and a color-your-own Electoral Map!
Who can run for president? What are the differences between America's two major political parties? Is the Electoral College really a college?
The newly updated What Is a Presidential Election? answers these questions and many, many more. From stump speeches to campaign slogans, debates to nominating conventions, and finally to Election Night and Inauguration Day, readers will learn all about what it takes to run for--and win--the most powerful job on earth.
Activities throughout prompt readers to think about the issues they care most about and consider what makes a good president, sparking discussion with friends and family. Includes a sheet of presidential bobblehead stickers and a color-your-own Electoral Map for the upcoming 2024 election!
For Which we Stand by Jeff Foster
Ages 8-12 (This book is so full of info, I would argue that high school students would find it useful.)
Discover everything you ever wanted to know about how the government really works with this accessible, highly designed and illustrated handbook from Marjory Stoneman Douglas AP government teacher Jeff Foster.
Now more than ever, it's so important for everyone to understand our government: where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. And, after all, in the words of author and government teacher Jeff Foster, "If you don't participate, you can't complain."This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions like: What is the Constitution? What are the branches of the government? What is the Electoral College? What are the political parties? What are the different responsibilities of the city, state, and federal governments?Plus, discover the complete backstory on some of our government's most important moments, like why we wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how people since then have worked with―and protested against―the government to improve the lives of all Americans.Each spread features a mix of black-and-white and full-color art, including infographics, charts, maps, political caricatures, and other engaging visual elements that will be fun and easy for kids to understand.Includes a foreword from Yolanda Renee King, an activist and the granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, plus lots of amazing back matter about how kids can participate and get involved.
If I Had Your Vote by the Cat in the Hat
Ages 3-7
Just in time for Election Day, this hilarious new Beginner Book featuring Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat—and the changes he'd make if elected president of the United States—is perfect for introducing young readers to the White House!
Think politics is boring for kids? Think again! If the Cat in the Hat is elected president, life in the White House is about to get a lot more interesting—and funny! The Cat plans to shake things up. On his agenda: To change the shape of the Oval Office (to make it far more OVAL-ER-ER); to replant the Rose Garden with Seussian shrubbery; to paint smiles on portraits of frowning world leaders; and (among other things) to shoot a SOCK-IT rocket into space to shower the United States with an explosion of socks! Written in rhyme and featuring a cast of characters from The Cat in the Hat and The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, this is the perfect, kid-friendly way to introduce beginning readers to life in the White House AND to the Cat in the Hat.
Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.
If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier
Ages 4-8
Library Media Connection Editor's Choice Award
Imagine starring in commercials and traveling in your own campaign bus! Or seeing your face on bumper stickers and T-shirts! If you ran for president, you would get to do these and other fun things, but you would also have to do a lot of hard work. You would study the nation's problems, tell the American people about your platform, select a running mate, and debate your opponents on live television. Finally, in November, Election Day would arrive. You would keep your fingers crossed and wait for the results―will you be the next president of the United States?
A multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to run for president. The entertaining yet informative text is a good conversation starter for discussions on the election process. A note about this process accompanies the story.
V is for Voting by Kate Farrell
Ages 3-6
"This playful, though powerful book engages little readers in the tenets of democracy and activism through rhyming text and colorful works of art." ―PBS Kids for Parents
"An ideal starting point in helping kids to understand elections and voting." ―Today.com
V Is for Voting is an ABC book that introduces progressive families to concepts like social justice and civil rights and reminds readers that every vote counts!
A is for active participation.
B is for building a more equal nation.
C is for citizens' rights and our duty.
D is for difference, our strength and our beauty.
An engaging introduction to the tenets of democracy, V Is for Voting is a playful, poetic, and powerful primer about the importance of voting and activism. Featuring Kate Farrell’s rhyming text and Caitlin Kuhwald’s bold art, plus thoughtful back matter, the book is a gorgeous, and crucial, addition to every young reader’s library. It makes the perfect gift for fans of A Is for Activist, Woke Baby, and Feminist Baby.
And now for my all-time favorite book about elections, Duck for President by Doreen Cronin—part of the Click, Clack, Moo series.
This picture book makes the concepts of an election approachable to kids and in an entertaining way. It also shows us that being a leader is not as easy as it seems. I’ve read this book with kindergarteners and seventh graders and most grades in between. They all get a kick out of it and learn something in the process.
It looks like it’s difficult to get a new copy of this book. Check your library or thriftbooks to get your hands on a used one.
There are many more kid’s books about voting and the elections out there. Head to your local bookstore or library to peruse and see which ones will work for you. They’re probably out on display now.
Thanks for stopping by.
Keep Learning!
Tiffiny
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