Election 2024: Civics for Kids!

By NYPL Staff
October 4, 2024

The New York Public Library's youngest patrons may not be able to vote just yet, but it's never too soon to get excited about taking part, making your voice heard, and learning about American democracy! The books on this list, released in time for National Voter Education Week, which runs October 7–11, 2024, show young readers how elections work, why it's important to vote, and the fun of taking part in the democratic process. 

These books are starting points. If you don't already have one, get a library card todayvisit one of our 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, and browse our online catalog to find more books for all the family.

Find Out More About Election 2024

Books for Little Kids (Ages 0–8)

  • The Day Madear Voted

    by Wade Hudson; illustrated by Don Tate

    In 1969, an African American woman brings her two little boys along when she exercises her right to vote for the first time.

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    Election Day

    by Margaret McNamara; illustrated by Mike Gordon

    During election day in Mrs. Connor’s class, the first graders prepare to vote for class president, but new girl Becky wonders if she should put her hat in the ring, since she doesn’t know anyone yet. 

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    Etta Extraordinaire Goes to the White House

    by Roda Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon; illustrated by Chloe Burgett

    Planning a spectacular pink cherry blossom party on the White House lawn for her fellow classmates during their field trip to Washington, D.C., Etta learns the importance of teamwork and friendship when things don’t go as planned. 

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    Leo’s First Vote!

    by Christina Soontornvat; illustrated by Isabel Roxas

    Excited to accompany his dad, who’s voting in his first election as a naturalized U.S. citizen, to the polls, Leo learns that each and every vote matters when his cousin casts doubt on the importance of a single vote.

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    Let's Vote!: A Fruitful Election Tale

    by Anita Iaco; illustrated by Chiara Civati

    A children's politics and government book that helps young readers learn the value of voting in an election. Follow along as Miss Jenn uses three different fruits to help her students run their own in-class campaigns.

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    The Night Before Election Day

    by Natasha Wing; illustrated by Amy Wummer

    Yes! It's almost here. And the big question is: Who will be our next president? A young citizen gives her take on politics and Election Day in this charming story, told in the style of Clement C. Moore's holiday poem.

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    Vote for Our Future!

    by Margaret McNamara; illustrated by Micah Player

    The students of Stanton Elementary School, which turns into a polling place on election day, find out all they can about voting and then encourage everyone in their neighborhoods to cast their ballots.

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    What's the Big Deal About Elections?

    by Ruby Shamir; illustrated by Matt Faulkner

    From ballots to bonfires, from suffrage to stumping, this kid-friendly picture book filled with fun facts and historical trivia shows why voting is so important and why America gets to call its government a body of, by, and for the people. 

Books for Bigger Kids (Ages 9–12)

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    Act

    by Kayla Miller

    Olive is excited to start sixth grade, but when she finds out that a school policy is keeping some kids from going on the trip, Olive decides to act. She's prepared to do whatever it takes to be heard—even if it means running against Trent and Sawyer, two of her closest friends, in the student council election. 

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    Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie War

    by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr

    When best friends Ben and Janet both run for student council and become rivals, they find their legendary friendship put to the test. To make things right, they must expose a conspiracy, take down the mean girl and focus on what’s most important—each other. 

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    Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws That Affect Us Today

    by Cynthia Levinson and Sanford Levinson; art by Ally Shwed

    In 1787, after 116 days of heated debates and bitter arguments, the United States Constitution was created. This imperfect document set forth America’s guiding principles, but it would also introduce some of today's most contentious political issues—from gerrymandering to the Electoral College and presidential impeachment. This graphic novel sheds light on how today's political struggles have their origins in the decisions of our Founding Fathers.

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    For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters

    by Jeff Foster; illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

    Now more than ever, it's important to understand our government: where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions like: What is the Constitution? What are the branches of the government? What is the Electoral College? What are the political parties? What are the different responsibilities of the city, state, and federal governments?

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    Linus and Etta Could Use a Win

    by Caroline Huntoon

    A hot-headed cynic befriends the new kid, a shy trans boy‚ when she takes on a bet to get him elected student body president.

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    What Is a Presidential Election?

    by Douglas Yacka

    Who can run for president? What are the differences between America's two major political parties? Is the Electoral College really a college? What Is a Presidential Election? answers these questions and many, many more. From stump speeches to campaign slogans, debates to nominating conventions, and finally to Election Night and Inauguration Day, readers will learn all about what it takes to run for—and win—the most powerful job on earth.

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    When You Grow Up to Vote: How Our Government Works for You

    by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel; illustrated by Grace Lin

    Eleanor Roosevelt published the original edition of When You Grow Up to Vote in 1932, the same year her husband was elected president. The new edition has updated information and back matter as well as fresh, bold art from award-winning artist Grace Lin. Beginning with government workers like firefighters and garbage collectors, and moving up through local government to the national stage, this book explains how the people in government work for the general public.

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    We the People!

    by Don Brown

    This graphic novel tells the history of American democracy and how it evolved from other forms of government. It explains the fundamental ideas of democracy as liberty, equality, and justice for all.

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.