The 2024 Presidential Election is upon us, and many teachers and parents are looking for educational, nonpartisan ways to discuss the process with kids. Literature to the rescue! We’ve rounded up two handfuls of books recommended by teachers and librarians for children and young readers that cover how the United States election process works, why voting is important and what happens during election season.
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These books are inspirational, educational and helpful for answering questions about why we have elections in the United States, how the election cycle goes and who gets to run for office. No matter who you’re casting your ballot for this election season, these books are a great way to help kids feel engaged in democracy, too.
‘The White House: A Meet the Nation’s Capital Book’ by Lindsay Ward
HarperCollins
Perfect for fans of Richard Scarry, this fun and interactive book introduces young readers to the White House and all of the many people who keep it running. With search-and-find elements and counting prompts, it’s a great book to give kids some context before visiting Washington, D.C. or to learn about where the President lives from afar.
‘Your Voice, Your Vote’ by Leah Henderson, illustrated by Keisha Morris
HarperCollins
Teach kids all about the way voting works and why we do it in this beautiful book from an award-winning author and illustrator. It follows a family as they head to the polls in the present-day and also introduces kids to the history of voting in the U.S.
‘Vote!’ by Eileen Christelow
Clarion Books
Featuring hilarious commentary from the characters’ pets, this colorful and informative book about voting gets into the nuts and bolts of the process, from rallies to debates, ballots to recounts and everything in between. It’s won awards from the American Library Association and International Reading Association and Children’s Book Council, too.
‘Thank You for Voting’ by Erin Geiger Smith
HarperCollins
This young readers’ edition of Thank You for Voting teaches kids about the process and importance of casting your ballot in three sections: The Stories of How We Got the Vote, Know Before You Vote and How to Get People to Vote. It’s geared toward middle grade readers ages 8-13, and also makes great 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
HarperCollins
Teach young readers about the brave Suffragists who fought for the right to vote with this gorgeous book from a Newbery Honor Award winner. It introduces kids to suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, who met in a London jail and underwent hunger strikes, jail time and more to win the right for American women to cast their ballots.
‘Leo’s First Vote!’ by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Knopf Books for Young Reader
From a three-time Newbery honoree comes this adorable book about a naturalized U.S. citizen’s first vote. It’s a heartwarming, educational story about how every ballot counts.
‘The Night Before Election Day’ by Natasha Wing, art by Amy Wummer
Grosset & Dunlap
T’was the night before election day … If you can already hear the iconic Clement Moore poem in your head, finish the rhyme in true election season fashion with this democracy-themed take on the Christmas classic. There’s also a sticker sheet inside!
‘If I Ran for President’ by Catherine Stier, illustrated by Lynne Avril
Albert Whitman & Company
In this uplifting, inspirational story, a diverse group of kids imagine what it might be like to run for office. It’s a great conversation-starter for young readers who want to learn about the political process.
‘For Which We Stand’ by Jeff Foster
Scholastic Inc
Written by an AP government teacher, this entertaining and informative guide walks middle grade readers through how our government works, from the various responsibilities of the different branches to how the Electoral College functions 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
Philomel Books
Whether your kids are just learning about the political process or want more little-known facts about elections — Did you know that our country has more than 90,000 state and local governments? Or that Election Day celebrations used to feature marching bands and bonfires? — this lovely book will hit the spot.
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