Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America

"A solid work of visual storytelling."

This outspoken tribute to suffrage alternates between a contemporary school where voting rights is the topic at hand, and vignettes that portray the signing of the U.S. Constitution and then forward through the many struggles to make "consent of the governed" a reality for all. Every few pages, Diesen offers the drumbeat-like refrain that insists on the inexorable justice of "Equality's call" ("A right isn't right/ Till it's granted to all"), while Mora's chalky mixed-media images, which draw on the motifs of Latin American and WPA muralism, show an ever-growing procession of determined people--abolitionists and suffragettes, famous activists and ordinary citizens--who faced and fought obstacles to voting. Every vote today is a nod to this hard-won history, Diesen reminds readers: "Each time we vote, / We acknowledge that past." A list of amendments and voting rights activists ends this volume. Ages 3-8. (Feb.)

K-Gr 2--This introduction to the history of voting rights in the United States includes a catchy and powerful refrain: "A right isn't right/Till it's granted to all." Charming mixed-media illustrations convey the slow but steady forward momentum of progress. Double-page spreads depict increasingly large crowds of people fighting for equal rights over the years. Back matter provides further understanding of amendments, legislation, and the many leaders who played essential roles in the long struggle to grant full and safe participation in our elections to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. While the rhyming text makes the story suitable and very appealing for young readers, words like abolition, suffrage, franchise, and enslavement may require adult explanations. VERDICT A useful presentation of an important topic that will be a valuable curriculum resource and also encourage parent-child conversation.--Gloria Koster, formerly at West School, New Canaan, CT