Todos a Votar! We all vote! Children's Books about Voting
por Lizette Carrk
Elections are especially important events in our country, and for our family they are so embedded in our lives that in fact our biggest milestones are marked by an election. When I met my husband, I met him because he was working on a political campaign - 2008 elections. We got engaged as the 2009 mid-term elections unfolded. We had our first baby during the 2018 primary elections and found out we were expecting our second baby at the national convention. So yes, politics and political campaigns are very much a part of our lives.
Now, how to talk to "los bodoques" about an election? But more importantly, how to explain the importance of voting? I believe that first, start them early, with the simple act of having them come with you and watch you cast a vote, whether for a mid-term or a presidential election, but just do it, lead by example. Second, books. Books have provided me the language I need to better explain complex concepts to them.
Sadly our selection is mostly English with only a couple of books in Spanish - hint to our Latino authors and publishers. Here are some book suggestions about elections and voting...
8 Kids Books About Voting
1) I Voted
Author: Mark Shulman
Ages:4 years – 8 years
Grades:Preschool –3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: English
Concept: With simple examples, the book introduces the concept of democracy, It illustrate what happens when you chose individually and as a group.
What we like about this book: How it simplifies hard concepts like democracy and voting with simple everyday choices. I also liked that while it starts in a very basic level, it provides more information at the back on the branches of the American government, how we elect officials and how kids can get involved in an election.
2) Sofia Valdez, Presidenta Tal Vez
Author: Andrea Beaty
Ages:4 years – 8 years
Grades:Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: Spanish or English
Concept: "Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do."
What we like about this book: We love it because of the Latino representation this book offers. With such few books available, this one really encourages our kids that they can make a difference no matter the age.
3) The Night Before Election Day
Author: Natasha Wing
Ages: 3 years – 5 years
Grades: Preschool – Kindergarten
Paperback
Language: English
Concept: In the form of a poem a young girl narrates the preparation for election day. From how she sees her school transform into a polling station, to how she remembers the posters and listening about the elections at home, at school and everywhere.
What we like about this book: It is an easy read with great illustrations that little ones can relate to their day to day scenes in school and at home. It also includes stickers and that is always a winner!
4) One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote
Author: Bonnie Worth
Ages: 5 years – 8 years
Grades: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: English
Concept: With a simple rhyme the Cat in the Hat introduces the concept of voting and democracy. It explains how voting gives us our very own voice and if we do not vote we lose our voice. The book focuses on the presidential elections.
What we like about this book: Fun illustrations and easy read to engage kids and introduce these concepts. The revised version also has some activities to hold your own elections.
5) Yo voto por mí
Author: Martin Baltscheit
Ages: 7 years and up
Grades:2nd –3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: Spanish
Concept: Every four years the animals run elections, however the Lion is the only candidate until the little mouse decides to run for king. A good introduction to democracy and voting.
What we like about this book: Engaging read with cute illustrations that is a good conversation starter on democracy.
This book is also available used for a much lower cost.
6) Camilla Can Vote
Author: Mary Morgan Ketchel
Ages: 4 years – 8 years
Grades: 1st – 2nd Grade
Hardcover
Language: English
Concept: Camilla visits the museum with her class and learns all about the Women's Suffrage Movement.
What we like about this book: Children will travel in time along with Camilla to learn and important history lesson on how women gained the right to vote. Presented in a fun and exciting way the story will engage them and hopefully also empower them to seek change and be the change.
7) Grace For President
Author: Kelly DiPucchio
Ages: 3 years – 8 years
Grades: Preschool – 3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: English
Concept: Grace is learning about the American Presidents at school and cannot believe her eyes, there are no girls! Determined to change that, she decides to run for President.
What we like about this book: The book introduces concepts like voting, the electoral college, and the importance of voting for the right person. But what I really loved is that the book highlights the importance representation and furthermore the importance to take action when you’re not being represented.
8) Vote for Our Future
Author: Margaret McNamara
Ages: 3 years – 8 years
Grades: Preschool – 3rd Grade
Hardcover
Language: English
Concept: The students at Stanton Elementary see their school transform into a polling station. The book introduces voting, the importance to register to vote, and most important how even though the students of Stanton Elementary cannot vote yet, they still play an important role by encouraging their adults to vote.
What we like about this book: Beautiful illustrations, easy read and language to explain the importance of voting, but also teaching and encouraging children to be proactive and Get Out the Vote!
9) If I Ran for President
Author: Catherine Stier
Ages: 4 years – 8 years
Grades: Preschool – 3rd Grade
Paperback
Language: English
Concept: Six kids imagine running for president. The book gives great details on the process of running for and electing a president.
What we like about this book: An inspiring book for all kids. While the book is a bit advanced for “los bodoques” I look forward to start reading it and help explain what Papá does and the importance of his job.
Final thoughts on Voting...
Register to VOTE.
Request your BALLOT.
VOTE – return your ballot in person or by mail.
Get out the vote – call all family and friends, remind them of the deadlines.
I don't want you to choose the wrong size when you order online. I know I hate returning things! To make it easier for you, I created simple, easy-to-read size charts to help you find the right t-shirt size. Follow these 2 steps.
1) Measure these 2 points, A (Width) & B (Length) on your child's onesies, t-shirts, or on your best fitting t-shirt
2) Find the closest match and order indicated size.
Baby - Infant Onesie Size Chart 0 - 24 Months
Our baby onesies are made of 100% cotton. They are wider to accommodate growing babies.
Size
Width - A
Length - B
0-6 Months
8 1/2"
13 3/4"
6-12 Months
9 1/4"
14 1/4"
12-18 Months
9 3/4"
15"
18-24Months
10 1/4"
16 1/4"
Toddler Size Chart 2 - 4 Years
Our toddler t-shirts are made of 100% cotton. They accommodate most toddlers 2-4 Years of age.
Size
Width - A
Length - B
2-4 Years
11 3/4""
16 3/4"
Child and Youth T-shirt Size Chart 6 -14 Years
Our child and youth t-shirts are made of 100% cotton. They accommodate most kids 6-14 Years of age. If you are a petite small woman you may consider the 14-16 years Size t-shirt.
Size
Width - A
Length - B
6 - 8 Years
13"
18 1/2"
10 - 12 Years
15"
20"
14 - 16 Years
16 3/4"
22 1/2
Juniors T-shirt Size Chart
Our Junior Girls t-shirts are made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex. They are very form fitting and stretchy. They accommodate teens or women looking for a snug t-shirt fit.
Size
Width - A
Length - B
Waist
M
15"
24 1/2"
13"
L
15 1/2"
25 3/4"
13 1/2"
XL
16 1/4"
26 1/2"
14 1/4"
Women's Unisex T-shirt Size Chart S - XL
Our soft unisex t-shirts are made of 100% cotton. They work for both men and women. Great if you want a looser, more relaxed fit.
Size
Width - A
Length - B
S
18"
26 1/2"
M
19 1/4"
28 1/4"
L
20 1/2"
30"
XL
21 1/2"
31 3/4"
Not the right size after all? No worries, you can return and exchange it for the right size. Check out our return policy for more details.
Lizette Carrk
Autor