Clarion Books -2003

“It’s hard to imagine a more accessible introduction to voting. The words are straightforward, the art whimsical and creative, and the two darling dogs provide color commentary on the action, , , Vote aye on this one.” — ALA Booklist, starred review

An ALA Notable Children’s Book
An IRA/CBC Children’s Choice
A Book Links Lasting Connection
A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
Bank Street College of Education, Best Children’s Books of the Year
 

Suppose your town is about to choose a new mayor. How will you do it? You’ll vote!

Using a town’s mayoral election as a model, this lively introduction to voting covers every step of the process from the start of the campaign to Election Day. There’s even a recount! Told in comic book style, this look at how we choose our leaders turns an often-daunting topic into an exciting narrative.

A timeline of the history of voting in the United States, a glossary of words associated with voting, a discussion of American political parties, and a list of Internet resources are included.

Here are your answers to questions about:

• The history of voter rights
• Voter registration
• How to research the candidates
• Volunteering at campaign headquarters
• Fundraising
• Pollsters
• Political advertising
• Going to vote
• And . . . a recount!
   

On Election Day 2000, I was visiting elementary schools in Hastings, Minnesota. The school walls were filled with student-made election posters. Students were wearing ‘I Voted’ buttons. They wanted to know how I could vote since I was so far from my home in Vermont. I was intrigued. Why did these young students care so much about voting?

Answer: The state of Minnesota was starting voter education early! Teachers were encouraged to discuss voting with their students. Students were encouraged to go to the polls with their parents. In fact, the kids could register their own votes in a special kids’ section. And of course that meant the kids had a vested interest in getting their parents to the polls. And no one wanted to miss out on wearing an ‘I Voted’ button!
 

The first draft of this book was not about an election for mayor. I hadn’t even decided what kind of an election I would write about. I only knew the ideas I wanted to get across. My characters were two dogs and a lot of voters. But I needed a specific election. I needed candidates and my editor said I needed a kid. I didn’t want to write about a presidential election. That would be too specific and too partisan. The same would have been true of a race for senator, governor, or representative.

I turned my favorite voter from that first draft into a candidate – for mayor of a small city. But how was I going to introduce a kid into this book? I decided to draw a picture of a political rally. Maybe I would get some ideas. I drew my candidate, Chris Smith, out meeting the voters. I drew a little girl holding a sign. What does the sign say? I found myself writing, “Chris Smith is the best! She’s my mom”. Suddenly, I had my most important character!

The Illustrations:

The pictures are drawn in pen and ink. They were painted with acrylic gouache. And. . . no, I didn’t hand letter all the balloons! That text was set in Litterbox.