Does My Voice Count?: A Citizenship Book

Gr 1–3—This ambitious series emphasizes development traits such as responsibility, respect, honesty, and empathy and strives to help kids learn how to be good citizens and improve both their own lives and the lives of those around them. Real-life topics, ranging from the specific ("How can I make sure I don't forget my band instrument?") to the general ("Why does everyone need a turn?"), are presented in a clear question-and-answer format that is instructive but not overly didactic. Readers will see examples of how to cope with bullying, be a good friend, become civically responsible, and more. Full-color photos accompany the narratives, while text bubbles provide additional information in an engaging way. Challenging vocabulary words are not differentiated on the page, but important concepts are bolded in red, which might be slightly confusing. A solid series dealing with important subjects for modern kids.