Give Us the Vote!: Over Two Hundred Years of Fighting for the Ballot

Gr 5 Up–This examination of voting rights arrives just in time for the 2020 election season and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Rubin studies the history behind winning the right to vote, both for women and people of color, and confronts issues still faced today. Events are not presented chronologically; however, the text is straightforward and journalistic. Details of systematic racism and violent conditions faced by those fighting for voting rights are presented in a narrative format that will attract young readers. Each chapter is filled with primary source photographs, political cartoons, and illustrations that help bring the information to life. The final chapter touches on ways young people have gotten involved in activism in recent history, and will likely motivate some readers to find ways to get involved in the political system. A time line of voting rights and amendments to the Constitution, as well as an extensive source list, will be helpful for those looking to do additional research.