Books about voting and elections can make complex topics like democracy accessible to young readers. Through relatable characters and stories, picture books help children grasp the importance of voting and participating in shaping their communities and future. Engaging nonfiction books also present the electoral process and U.S. presidents in entertaining and educational ways that spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
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I Voted by Mark Shulman, illustrated by Serve Bloch, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
This clever story breaks down the elements of voting using relatable child-friendly examples starting with apples or oranges and moving on to selecting a class pet. Additional backmatter gives more detailed information on how the United States government and the election process works.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio; illustrated by Pham LeUyen, 2008
(Ages 4 and up)
When Grace learns that there has never been a female president, she decides to run against Thomas in a mock election. Not only is this a great book for teaching children how elections work, but Grace’s focus, compassion, and courage all model being a great leader.
We Disagree by Bethanie Deeney Murguia, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
From food to music to hobbies, a mouse and squirrel seem to disagree on everything. They don’t see how they can possibly be friends with nothing in common until they start a conversation explaining why each prefers something else. They realize that disagreeing isn’t such a bad thing and there is a lot we can learn from each other.
The rhyming text and spare artwork make this a good choice for a read aloud and an important discussion starter on friendships and respecting opinions especially when they differ from your own.
This is a story that can be used with the youngest of learners all the way through adults!
The Day Madear Voted by Wade Hudson, illustrated by Don Tate, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
“We were there that first day our mother walked into a voting booth, pushed the past behind her, and allowed us to imagine a different future.” The right to vote is exceptionally powerful and something that should never be taken for granted. This moving story is told from the point of view of a child watching his mother vote for the first time. She shares with her children the many challenges Black Americans have faced to secure this right and emphasizes the importance of using their voices to shape a better future. It’s a powerful narrative that highlights the significance of voting
V is For Votingby Kate Farrell; illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
In a clever ABC format, aspects of democracy are shared through powerful language. Complete with a voting-rights time line and an informational author’s note, this book gives readers a lot to think about. The bright, bold illustrations draw the eye in while the rhyming text makes this a good read aloud choice for peaking children’s interest about elections and inspiring them to learn more.
Etta Extraordinaire Goes to the White House by Roda Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Chloe Burgett, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
The exuberant Etta embarks on an extraordinary field trip to the White House, where her class learns about voting and casts ballots on how to spend their day. When a cherry blossom celebration is chosen, the students work together to throw an exceptional party despite an unexpected storm. This fun and entertaining story is a great way to introduce the concept of voting to children.
Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
This impactful story teaches children that even though they may not have the ability to vote until they are eighteen, they can still have a role in elections. When a school prepares to use the gym as a polling station for an election, students learn about voting and how the outcome of an election affects everyone’s future, even their own. The students create a plan to encourage their friends, family, and even strangers to vote. When teenagers and adults give excuses for why they don’t want to vote, the children counter them with compelling points.
The brilliance of this book is the way it uses simple, child-friendly language and colorful illustrations to create an engaging read aloud that not only teaches readers about the importance of voting, but empowers children to help make a change. The backmatter includes several important Acts of Congress further emphasizing the change voting can make. This timely and effective book is a must-read!
The President of the Jungle by Andre Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, Pedro Markun, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
Lion is the king of the jungle and therefore does whatever he pleases, even if that means rerouting the river to make a swimming pool. The animals of the jungle have had enough and hold an election to choose a new leader. Several animals present their case and a winner is selected whose first order of business is to put together a team to help him make the jungle a better place.
This vibrant story presents the democratic process in an accessible way and even include a glossary of election terms to educate future voters.
Facts Vs. Opinions Vs. Robots by Michael Rex, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
This brilliant book teaches children the difference between facts and opinions in a playful, entertaining and, best of all, effective way. Having a better understanding of facts and opinions is an essential skill and the sooner children learn it the better. The comical robots make this lesson entertaining and successfully demonstrate the value in listening to and respecting someone else’s opinion.
Democracy by Philip Bunting, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
This engaging primer introduces the concept of democracy in a child-friendly and interesting way. From the history to democracy to its many benefits and functions, there is a lot to learn from this educational and entertaining book. Additionally, children will have a better understanding of elections and how they can use their voice to make a difference in the world.
Presidents (Oh No They Didn’t) by Eric Huang, illustrated by Sam Caldwell, 2024
(Ages 6 and up)
This engrossing book clears up some common misbeliefs about the white house and past presidents of the United States. Full of fascinating facts and colorful illustrations, kids won’t be able to put this one down!
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in Americaby Deborah Diesen; illustrated by Magdalena Mora, 2020
(Ages 6 and up)
“A right isn’t right till it’s granted to all.” This exceptional book takes readers through a historical journey describing voting rights in the United States. The rhyming text explains how the ability to vote was initially based on gender, race, and wealth, but people fought to overturn those laws and become a true democracy where everyone’s voice is heard.
The concise, but powerful words are beautifully combined with captivating artwork making this a good choice for a read aloud. Back matter includes voting related amendments and legislation as well as several important activists.
Presidential Elections and Other Cool Facts by Syl Sobel, 2024
(Ages 7 and up)
This book is packed with interesting information explaining democracy, how elections in the United States are run, who the past presidents and first ladies are, and the order of succession if a president can no longer lead. The book is further enhanced with a glossary, resource guide, and index.
The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America’s Presidentsby Kate Messner; illustrated by Adam Rex, 2020
(Ages 7 and up)
Powerhouses Kate Messner and Adam Rex have teamed up to create a book that not only provides tons of information on past presidents, but also offers the awe-inspiring idea that there are most likely at least 10 future American presidents alive today!
With eye-catching illustrations and fascinating snapshots on these important historical figures, this a book that many children are going to enjoy pouring through. Whether explored one-on-one at home or browsed through in a classroom, children will love learning more about the United States government and even wonder if they could be one of the next presidents!
Vote for Me!by Ben Clanton, 2020
(Ages 8 and up)
This satirical picture book follows a donkey and an elephant who try to coax the reader into voting for them. They start out flattering the reader and boasting about themselves, but are ultimately reduced to throwing insults at one another. They eventually make up until a surprise winner steals the election.
This story could prompt an interesting conversation on debates and a more positive approach to winning arguments.
