Vote for Our Future!

Every Election Day, Stanton Elementary School "changes from a school to a POLLING STATION!" And while the kids who attend Stanton are too young to vote, they've realized, as McNamara puts it, "Kids have to live with adult choices!" So they're going to make sure those adults stop making excuses and exercise their right to vote. Player's digitally drawn cast may sport eager eyes, big smiles, and rosy cheeks, but they will not be denied. The kids canvass, help their own families develop voting plans, and when a woman tells one group she'll be out of town, little Mia pipes up, "In our state you can vote early!" And it works: the turnout is so big, it covers an entire double gatefold. An exhilarating tribute to junior grassroots organizing that might just inspire a Get an Adult to Vote movement. A list of acts of Congress concludes. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--Stanton Elementary closes on Election Day in November to serve the community not just as a school, but as a polling station for voters. The students decide to take action. They learn about the election process in an effort to spread the word about the importance of voting to those who actually have the power to vote--namely, the adults in their lives. From the author of A Poem in Your Pocket, this book is a motivational call to action. Avoiding divisive partisan rhetoric, McNamara instead addresses the many reasons people give for not voting. For instance, when one student approaches a woman about voting, the woman replies that she does not like waiting in line. The student replies that if she can wait in line for coffee or for a movie, she can wait in line to vote. It is also mentioned that voting early or by mail is a possibility. Information on how to access voting and voter registration information is prevalent throughout as the students research in the library and visit their local election office. At the end is a list of Congressional Acts that demonstrate the rights that have been awarded to Americans throughout history, offering inspiration for how voices can collectively make a difference. VERDICT This entertaining and engaging story has a powerful and timely message. The children sum it up best by stating, "Kids have to live with adults' choices," which makes voting a difficult task to ignore.--Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Margaret McNamara's Vote for Our Future!

"Essential—the energetic narrative and uplifting illustrations will inspire and empower young readers to get out the vote." —Kirkus, starred review

"An exhilarating tribute to junior grassroots organizing that might just inspire a Get an Adult to Vote movement." —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Margaret McNamara's The Dinosaur Expert

"A pivotal moment in a child's life, handled with grace and sensitivity rather than conflict or ineffective lecturing."—Kirkus, starred review

"A beautifully crafted picture book."—Booklist, starred review

"This story is illustrated with great care and attention to detail from page one, and the text and artwork work together in harmony to bring home powerful messages about gender equality, evolving to improve, and being careful with the feelings of others."—School Library Journal, starred review