Leo's First Vote!

Starred review from July 15, 2024
A child learns the importance of each individual voter in this lively picture book from Soontornvat and Roxas. Young Leo is eager to accompany his dad, a new U.S. citizen, to vote for president, and his teacher soon outlines his classroom’s mock presidential election. Familial discourse around voting (from a cousin, “What’s the point?”), logistical matters including registration, and details around day-of queueing at the polls all represent real-life concerns and tensions, while Leo’s classroom mock election shows just how important a single vote can be. Marvelously textured, dimensional cut-paper, oil pastel, and acrylic artwork clearly delineates the step-by-step of voting in this spot-on depiction of a child’s anxiety and excitement around a crucial process. Leo and his father cue as Southeast Asian; other characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Additional voting information concludes. Ages 4–8.

August 1, 2024
Young Leo learns that every vote counts. Leo couldn't be more proud of Dad, who just became a U.S. citizen and earned his right to vote--and Leo gets to go with him when he casts his vote for the president. At school, there will be a mock presidential election, and Leo's excited. But when Cousin Ray announces that he's not voting ("Do youreally think one person is going to make a difference?"), Leo feels discouraged. Cautiously bolstered by reminders that people are still fighting for the right to vote in the U.S. and abroad, Leo casts a vote. When Leo's teacher tallies the results, it all comes down to one ballot! Later, when the polling place is nearing closing time, Leo encourages others to stay in line, knowing that every vote matters. Soontornvat conveys a timely and accessible message of the power and importance of participating in the democratic process. Roxas' mixed-media illustrations depict a community diverse in terms of age, race, and religion. Leo's family is brown-skinned, though we don't learn about their heritage. Facts about the U.S. voting process are integrated throughout the story; practical backmatter expands on that information. In a callback to Leo's mock election, Soontornvat details several states' House of Representatives elections in which one vote decided the outcome. Publishes simultaneously in Spanish. An invaluable addition to any young citizen-in-training's bookshelf.(Picture book. 5-9)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 2, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 As a recently naturalized citizen, Leo's father prepares to vote in his first U.S. election. The two watch presidential debates and national conventions on television, and Leo learns more about the voting process in school. His teacher holds a mock election so that Leo and the other pupils feel included in the election process. On voting day, the boy accompanies his Dad to the polls and witnesses the long line of people who are there to make their choice for president, mayor, and other government positions. Engaging, colorful illustrations incorporate cut paper, oil pastels, acrylics, and some "digital magic," showing the father and son working together to unravel the details of how to vote in America. The author includes topics such as voter registration, polling locations, sample ballots, and the importance of every vote. Additional information about voting is included in an "All About Voting" section at the story's conclusion. This relevant and informative story about a young boy, his father, and the voting process is also available in Spanish.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2024

Gr 1-3-The proud child of a newly naturalized U.S. citizen introduces the ins and outs of voting to younger readers, both in class as his teacher conducts a mock vote, and nationally by following his single dad during the run-up to a presidential election. Along with watching political ads and a debate on TV together, and having canvassers come to the door, the unnamed lad learns about polling places and voter registration-the latter necessity being something his father only learns about at a school event, and a wrinkle that may likewise be news to real parents or others about to vote for the first time. An older relative's dismissive remark that one vote doesn't count for much gets a suitably strong rejoinder, and another misapprehension is corrected when, on election night, people still waiting to cast their votes when the polls close are not (cannot, legally, be) turned away. The author skips mention of specific issues or recognizable candidates, and explains the electoral college only in the back matter, where several examples of elections that did hinge on one vote or a tiebreaker can be found, too. Roxas sets this simplified but informative introduction in a multicultural community. VERDICT A timely, if earnestly purposeful, overview of a basic civil right, aimed at younger audiences but with some savvy pointers for new Americans of any age.-John Edward Peters

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