The Right to Vote
Series of 4 titles
Voting is an essential part of U.S. democracy, but throughout history, many U.S. citizens have encountered barriers when voting. Women, Black Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians have all struggled to gain voting rights and make their voices heard at the polls. The Right to Vote explains democracy, the voting process in the United States, the history behind each group's struggle to participate in this essential practice, and what issues each continues to face today. Educational photos complement the text and show historical moments in each group's struggle to gain the right to vote. Books feature a timeline of setbacks and successes in the suffrage movement, a table of contents, infographic, glossary, index, compelling What Do You Think? sidebars to encourage deeper inquiry, and reading tips for teachers and parents.
Reviews
SLJ Review of The Right to Vote
This series covers the struggle to achieve voting rights for various groups. Illustrations include archival photos as well as current scenes at polling places. Text is generally a few sentences per page or paragraphs facing a full-page image. Critical thinking questions and additional details appear in small text boxes scattered throughout the book. Each title ends with a timeline of important events on the path to voting rights for the group. An additional graphic of some sort is included in each book, such as a map showing when the first 36 states voted for the 19th Amendment or a graph showing Black voter participation in presidential elections since 1964. A glossary and access to the Fact Surfer website offer additional support for readers.
VERDICT: Recommended purchase for updating collections and to complement social studies units on civic engagement.