Election Day offers a valuable opportunity to teach students about voting and democracy. Picture books are perfect for explaining these concepts in an engaging way. In this post, I’ll share some excellent Voting and Election Day picture books to use with your 4th and 5th graders. These books will help make the topic both fun and informative.
Voting & Election Day Picture Books for 4th & 5th Grade
These selections offer inspiring stories about the democratic process, from historical figures to modern-day heroes. Each book provides a unique perspective on the significance of voting and how it shapes our society.
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1. Alice Paul
Introduce your students to Alice Paul’s innovative and determined efforts in the women’s suffrage movement through any of these two books.
The Fight for the Right frames the suffrage movement as a dramatic boxing match with President Wilson. Alice Paul’s relentless strategies and protests push for women’s voting rights. The book vividly illustrates her determined fight and eventual success.
Miss Paul and the President tells the story of Alice Paul’s bold efforts for women’s voting rights. With her signature purple hat, she organized parades, protests, and meetings with President Wilson. The book highlights her determination and creative campaign, showing kids the power of perseverance.
2. Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a key figure in the women’s rights movement, fighting for equality and the right to vote. Share her inspiring story with these books:
Elizabeth Started All the Trouble shows how Stanton overcame barriers and rallied women for equal rights. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, the book celebrates her enduring impact on women’s rights.
Elizabeth Leads the Way highlights Stanton’s early recognition of gender inequality and her determined efforts to change it. This book vividly portrays her fight for women’s suffrage and her role in shaping American history.
3. Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote
Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote features ten incredible women who fought tirelessly for women’s voting rights. The book includes well-known figures like Susan B. Anthony and lesser-known heroes like Mary Church Terrell. Their stories of courage and determination inspire kids to stand up for justice. Sharing this book highlights the importance of perseverance and activism. Maira Kalman’s vibrant illustrations bring these suffragists’ stories to life.
4. Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America explores the evolution of voting rights in America, from the founding of the nation to today. It highlights the struggles of activists who fought for universal suffrage. The book combines inspiring history with a look at ongoing efforts for equality. Sharing this book encourages discussions about the ongoing fight for equality and the role each person can play.
5. ABC What an Informed Voter You’ll Be!
ABC What an Informed Voter You’ll Be! Is a black and white picture book. It offers an A to Z guide to U.S. government and politics. It simplifies key concepts and terms for kids in grades K–5. The book makes understanding election terms fun and accessible. Sharing this book helps young readers grasp their role in democracy early on. It is also a great guide for having your students create their own Elections ABC book.
6. The Little Book of Presidential Elections
Don’t let the title of this book discourage you from checking it. The Little Book of Presidential Elections goes through all the qualifications and the process of electing a president. It uses simple terms that are easy to understand. A great option for your elections theme.
Fiction Books Related to Voting
The following books are fiction, they bring important historical and civic themes to life. Through engaging stories, these books help students connect with historical events and civic concepts in a meaningful way.
7. Lillian’s Right to Vote
Lillian’s Right to Vote follows a 100-year-old African American woman as she reflects on her family’s voting history. As she journeys to vote, she recalls past struggles and triumphs from the civil rights era. This historical fiction vividly captures the impact of the Voting Rights Act. Sharing this book in the classroom highlights the importance of perseverance and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
8. Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box
Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box is historical fiction based on a true story. It tells the story of a family’s struggle for voting rights in the segregated South. Young Michael sees his Granddaddy proudly cast his first vote after years of waiting. This touching story highlights the challenges and triumphs of gaining voting rights. Sharing this book teaches students about perseverance and the importance of voting rights in history.
9. If I Were President
If I Were President invites your students to imagine life in the White House and the duties of a president. With fun illustrations and engaging scenarios, it shows both the perks and responsibilities of the role. This book encourages kids to think about leadership and civic responsibility. It’s a great set up a writing assignment where your students could write about being the President themselves.
By sharing these engaging read-alouds, you can bring the history and impact of voting in Presidential elections to life for your students. Use them to spark meaningful discussions and deepen your students’ understanding of this important event.
