Review by Booklist Review
This concise examination of the history of voting rights in the U.S. begins powerfully with voting issues that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, before shifting back to 1787, when voting was limited to land-owning white men. Throughout the book, the authors astutely highlight how voting became more widespread yet remained unequal. The authors point out that current access to voting still lacks equality and equity. Large red boxes at the bottom of some pages provide useful historical time markers. More nuanced voting practices, such as absentee voting and mail-in ballots for active military service members, provide a well-rounded history of voting. Pictures, paintings, and detailed maps add visual interest and illustrate the points made by the authors. Throughout the book, explanations of legal cases, clearly detailed with bullet points, explain the suits, the verdicts, and the effects those decisions had on legislation. A glossary and bibliography provide more information. Calling young people to action, the authors note that, in 2023, "over half of the U.S. states presented laws to limit voting." The authors have successfully written a thought-provoking, informative book, providing ample information without overwhelming readers with huge blocks of text. Delightfully to the point and packed with information, this book would serve as a great starting point for students who are doing research.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
DeGroat (Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentation) and Lewis (Imani's Recipe for Teamwork) collaborate in this smart and succinct work, a straightforward guide to the history of voting rights in the U.S. Beginning with the signing of the Constitution, the creators detail the difficulties that women, Indigenous peoples, and nonwhite Americans and immigrants experienced in their efforts to expand voting rights. Infographics throughout depict an easy-to-follow timeline along which important events, years, and court case decisions are summed up in brief, as when, in 1856, it was declared that white men did not need to own land to vote. A following graphic addresses Dred Scott v. Sandford in 1857, which ruled that "enslaved and free Black people living in the U.S. were not citizens," and were therefore unable to vote. A chapter titled "Even More Barriers?" points out various other obstacles toward fair voting rights, such as the lack of non-English languages on ballots, while later sections address contemporary challenges (gerrymandering), and triumphs (Brakebill v. Jaeger). "When one citizen is denied their right to vote, their voice is silenced," the authors assert in this approachable call to action. Back matter includes next steps, reflection questions, a glossary, and more. Ages 9--14. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--A succinct and approachable exploration of voting rights and suppression in the United States. This work uses a time line format to present an eye-opening account of the widespread disenfranchisement of voters from marginalized groups since the foundation of this country. From the three-fifths compromise of 1787, when representatives from the colonies agreed to count enslaved people as only three-fifths of a person each, readers will learn how the right to vote was slowly extended to white immigrants, Black men with land, white women, and eventually, BIPOC groups. This book also points out laws, amendments, and Supreme Court decisions that either granted or denied many the right to vote and citizenship. It wasn't until 2020 that Native Americans living on reservations had voting protections. Alarmingly, over half of the states have presented laws to limit voting rights in 2023. While the narrative is dry at times, the spare and straightforward text makes this topic accessible and digestible. Large, bright photos; a red, white, and blue color scheme; maps, diagrams, and lots of white space make this text engaging and very readable. The Supreme Court case decisions are summarized on a parchment-looking background, and in keeping with the chronology focus, the specific year of each decision is marked by a red banner. The final section focuses on how students, even if they're not eligible to vote, can take action in state and local government. Back matter includes discussion questions, glossary, further reading, and an index. VERDICT A strong choice for American history and civics curriculum.--Shelley M. Diaz
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