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10 election books to read to your kids about the presidential election
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10 election books to read to your kids about the presidential election

The 2024 presidential election is upon us, and many teachers and parents are looking for educational and nonpartisan ways to discuss the process with children. Literature to help! We’ve rounded up two books recommended by teachers and librarians for children and young readers that cover how the election process in the United States works, why voting is important, and what happens during election season.

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These books are inspirational, educational, and helpful in answering questions about why we have elections in the United States, how the election cycle works, and who can run for office. No matter who you’re voting for this election season, these books are a great way to help kids feel involved in democracy.

“The White House: A Book of the Nation’s Capital” by Lindsay Ward

“White House” by. Lindsay Ward.

HarperCollins


Perfect for fans of Richard Scarry, this fun and interactive book introduces young readers to the White House and all the many who maintain it. With seek and find elements and counting instructions, it’s a great book to give kids some context before visiting Washington, DC or learning where the president lives from afar.

“Your Voice, Your Vote” by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Keisha Morris

“Your Voice, Your Vote” by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Keisha Morris.

HarperCollins


Teach kids about how voting works and why we do it in this beautiful book by an award-winning author and illustrator. It follows a family as they head to the polls in the present day and also introduces children to the history of voting in the US.

‘Vote!’ by Eileen Christelow

‘Vote!’ by Eileen Christelow.

Clarion Books


Featuring hilarious commentary from the characters’ pets, this colorful and informative book about voting gets to the heart of the process, from rallies to debates, ballots to recounts, and everything in between. It has won awards from the American Library Association and the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council.

“Thanks for Voting” by Erin Geiger Smith

“Thanks for Voting” by Erin Geiger Smith.

HarperCollins


This edition for young readers a Thank you for your vote teaches kids about the process and importance of voting in three sections: Stories of How We Got to Vote, Know Before You Vote, and How to Get People to Vote. It is intended for middle grade readers ages 8-13 and also makes excellent research material for school book reports and history or social studies projects.

“How Women Won the Vote” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Ziyue Chen

“How Women Won the Vote” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Ziyue Chen.

HarperCollins


Teach young readers about the brave suffragists who fought for the right to vote with this gorgeous book by a Newbery Honor Award winner. It introduces children to suffragettes Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, who met in a London prison and went on hunger strikes, imprisonment and more to win the right for American women to vote.

“Leo’s first vote!” by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas

“Leo’s first vote!” by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas.

Knopf Books for Young Readers


From a three-time Newbery winner comes this adorable book about the first vote of a naturalized American citizen. It’s an emotional, educational story about how every ballot counts.

“The Night Before Election Day” by Natasha Wing, art by Amy Wummer

“The Night Before Election Day” by Natasha Wing, art by Amy Wummer.

Grosset and Dunlap


It was the night before election day… If you already hear the iconic Clement Moore poem in your head, finish off the election season rhyme in true election season fashion with this Democratic-themed take on the Christmas classic. There’s a sticker sheet inside too!

“If I Can for President” by Catherine Stier, illustrated by Lynne Avril

“If I Can for President” by Catherine Stier, illustrated by Lynne Avril.

Albert Whitman & Company


In this uplifting and inspirational story, a diverse group of children imagine what it would be like to run for office. It’s a great conversation starter for young readers who want to learn about the political process.

“Who We Are For” by Jeff Foster

“Who We Are For” by Jeff Foster.

Scholastic Inc


Written by an AP government teacher, this fun and informative guide walks middle grade readers through how our government works, from the different responsibilities of the various branches to how the Electoral College works and everything in between. In the words of the author, “If you don’t participate, you can’t complain.”

“What’s the Big Deal About Elections” by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner

“What’s the Big Deal About Elections” by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner.

Philomel Books


Whether your kids are just learning about the political process or want more little-known facts about elections — Did you know our country has over 90,000 state and local governments? Or that Election Day celebrations used to feature marching bands and bonfires? — this wonderful book will hit the spot.

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