As Election Day 2024 approaches, students may have questions about social and political issues. These books break down complex ideas for young readers and cover topics like civics, voting laws, gun control, reproductive rights, analyzing news reports, understanding articles of impeachment, and more.
Click the tabs below to view book recommendations
for readers of all ages.
V is for Voting by Kate Farrell; illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald
Ages 3-6
V Is for Voting is an ABC book that introduces progressive families to concepts like social justice and civil rights and reminds readers that every vote counts!
A is for active participation.
B is for building a more equal nation.
C is for citizens’ rights and our duty.
D is for difference, our strength and our beauty.
“If ever an alphabet book packed a punch, this one is it…Forceful and exhilarating.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A great lever for voters, present and future.” —Booklist
An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America by Helaine Becker; illustrations by Dow Phumiruk
Ages 4-8
Helaine Becker’s An Equal Shot is a nonfiction picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX as civil rights legislature, featuring illustrations by Dow Phumiruk.
You’ve likely heard of the law Title IX. It protects the equal rights of students, athletes, and professionals in America regardless of gender. But do you know about the women who fought to enact this new law?
Here is the rousing account of how Title IX was shaped at the hands of brave politicians who took risks to secure women’s dreams and their futures under the Constitution. Told in simple, commanding prose, An Equal Shot celebrates the power of words to defend and unite vulnerable people.
Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman; illustrated by Teresa Martínez
Ages 4-8
When Estela Juarez’s mom is deported to Mexico, Estela knows she has to speak up for her family. Told in Estela’s own words, Until Someone Listens is a true story about a young girl finding her voice and using it to make change.
Estela’s family lives together in a happy home full of love. Or, at least, they used to… until their home was torn apart.
My mom had to go back,
to the other side of the river,
because she wasn’t born in this country.
For years her family fought and fought for permission for her to stay in the U.S. But no one listened. When Estela was eight, her mother was deported to Mexico.
Estela knew she had to do something. So she wrote letters: to local newspapers, Congress, the President, and anyone else who could help. She wrote and wrote and wrote until, finally… someone listened.
In this heart wrenching, autobiographical story, Estela Juarez’s letters take her from the local news all the way to the national stage, where she discovers the power in her words and pledges to keep using her voice until her family—and others like hers— are together again.
Also available in Spanish as Hasta que alguien me escuche!
Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel
Ages 7-10
The votes are in–it’s a Bad Kitty landslide!
It’s time to elect a new president of the Neighborhood Cat Coalition! Who will win the election? The candidate chosen by the kitties on the right side of the street or the candidate chosen by the kitties on the left side of the street? When election time rolls around, one candidate (guess who?) will discover that she never bothered to register to vote and the entire election will be decided by a surprise, last minute absentee ballot sent by Old Kitty.
“While there is no doubt that Bad Kitty for President will provide some good-old page-turning enjoyment, readers should come away with some election knowledge to boot.” —School Library Journal
Whose Right Is It? The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fight for Equality
by Hana Bajramovic
Ages 12-18
Discover the truth about the Fourteenth Amendment, civil rights, and the United States’ continued fight for equality in this singular nonfiction book for young readers.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, known as the “equality amendment,” was passed in the years after the Civil War to help protect the rights and freedoms of Black Americans. In the centuries that followed, the amendment grew to protect the rights of women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people as well.
But in recent years, the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment has shifted dramatically. A series of
landmark Supreme Court cases—ranging from abortion to affirmative action—have rolled back the amendment’s guarantees and called into question its usefulness as a tool in the fight for equality. What does
the future hold for the Fourteenth?
Hana Bajramovic’s Whose Right Is It? The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fight for Equality explores how one amendment to the Constitution shaped civil rights and liberties in America and became the focus for many of today’s most important political debates. Featuring historical photos and informative graphics, this book shows a new generation of activists what the fight for equality across race, sexuality, gender, and citizenship might look like in the years to come.
Whose Right Is It? The Second Amendment and the Fight Over Guns by Hana Bajramovic
Ages 12-18
Discover the truth about the Second Amendment, the NRA, and the United States’ centuries-long fight over guns in this first-of-its-kind book for middle grade readers.
“A compelling, clear analysis of one of our country’s oldest dilemmas: how to balance gun rights with public safety. It tells the full and true story of the Second Amendment, and points to a way to bring sanity to our gun laws. A remarkable primer for all ages.” —Michael Waldman, author of The Second Amendment: A Biography
Hana Bajramovic’s Whose Right Is It? The Second Amendment and the Fight Over Guns reveals how a once obscure amendment became the focus of daily heated debate. Filled with historical photos and informative graphics, the book will show young readers how gun legislation has always been a part of American history and how money, power, and race have long dictated our ability to own guns.
“The story is fascinating and, in its evenhanded treatment of the subject, valuable for research and classroom use…Extremely well documented, the book concludes with an epilogue that brings the book up-to-date, making it both important and timely.”—Booklist
True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News
by Cindy L. Otis
Ages 13-18
A former CIA analyst unveils the true history of fake news and gives readers tips on how to avoid falling victim to it in this highly designed informative YA nonfiction title.
“Fake news” is a term you’ve probably heard a lot in the last few years, but it’s not a new phenomenon. From the ancient Egyptians to the French Revolution to Jack the Ripper and the founding fathers, fake news has been around as long as human civilization. But that doesn’t mean that we should just give up on the idea of finding the truth.
In True or False, former CIA analyst Cindy Otis will take readers through the history and impact of misinformation over the centuries, sharing stories from the past and insights that readers today can gain from them. Then, she shares lessons learned in over a decade working for the CIA, including actionable tips on how to spot fake news, how to make sense of the information we receive each day, and, perhaps most importantly, how to understand and see past our own information biases, so that we can think critically about important issues and put events happening around us into context.
True or False includes a wealth of photo illustrations, informative inserts, and sidebars containing interesting facts and trivia sure to engage readers in critical thinking and analysis.
★ “A necessary and engaging resource that should be required reading for all high school students…The book’s droll tone and quick pace will thoroughly engage even those who dislike nonfiction; all readers will be empowered with a more critical eye when browsing their news feeds.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights by Karen Blumenthal
Ages 12-18
From award-winning author Karen Blumenthal, Jane Against the World is deep and passionate look at the riveting history of the fight for reproductive rights in the United States.
This eye-opening book is the perfect tool to facilitate difficult discussions and awareness of a topic that is rarely touched on in school but affects each and every young person. It’s also perfect for fans of Steve Sheinkin and Deborah Heiligman.
This journalistic look at the history of abortion and the landmark case of Roe v. Wade is an important and necessary book.
“Jane Against the World reads, at times, like a legal thriller. I kept reminding myself, “Wait, I know how this ends.”…Blumenthal has done her job well: presenting the history, and leaving readers to wrestle with what the future may hold for families facing unwanted pregnancies.”—The New York Times
★ “An account of the tumultuous struggle for abortion rights in the United States…Gripping reading; necessary for every library serving teens.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This essential guide, which gives voices to vulnerable populations, demands to be heard.”—Booklist, starred review
Rise Up!: How You Can Join the Fight Against White Supremacy
by Crystal Marie Fleming
Ages 12-18
This urgent book explores the roots of racism and its legacy in modern day, all while empowering young people with actionable ways they can help foster a better world and become antiracists.
Why are white supremacists still openly marching in the United States? Why are undocumented children of color separated from their families and housed in cages? Where did racism come from? Why hasn’t it already disappeared? And what can young people do about it?
Rise Up! breaks down the origins of racial injustice and its continued impact today, connecting dots between the past and present. By including contemporary examples ripped from headlines and actionable ways young people can help create a more inclusive world, sociologist Crystal Marie Fleming shares the knowledge and values that unite all antiracists: compassion, solidarity, respect, and courage in the face of adversity. Perfect for fans of Stamped: Remix, This Book is Antiracist, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy, and The Black Friend.
★ “A clear and damning appraisal of the United States’ long-standing relationship with White supremacy—with actionable advice for readers to do better.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “The book’s positivity, depth of information not mentioned in other books for this age group, and the five steps provided to help people become antiracist advocates make this a standout and are sure to inspire young people to act.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “A valuable research and classroom text that will build up an inspire young activists.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “This book uses gentle, approachable language to discuss a heavy topic with young adults of all races who are searching for change.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
When They Call You A Terrorist (Young Adult Edition): A Story of Black Lives Matter and the Power to Change the World by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele; adapted by Benee Knauer
Patrisse Khan-Cullors’ and asha bandele’s instant New York Times bestseller, When They Call You a Terrorist is now adapted for the YA audience with photos and journal entries!
A movement that started with a hashtag–#BlackLivesMatter–on Twitter spread across the nation and then across the world.
From one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement comes a poetic memoir and reflection on humanity. Necessary and timely, Patrisse Khan-Cullors’ story asks us to remember that protest in the interest of the most vulnerable comes from love. Leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement have been called terrorists, a threat to America. But in truth, they are loving women whose life experiences have led them to seek justice for those victimized by the powerful.
In this meaningful, empowering account of survival, strength, and resilience, Cullors and asha bandele seek to change the culture that declares innocent black life expendable.
“A gripping, much-needed memoir about a Black woman, a movement, and people fighting for freedom denied.”—Kirkus
“This memoir is a reflection on humanity, lauded as an empowering account of survival, strength, and resilience, and is the kind of call to action we need now more than ever.”—Book Riot
Strongman: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy by Kenneth C. Davis
Ages 12-18
From the bestselling author of the Don’t Know Much About® books comes a dramatic account of the origins of democracy, the history of authoritarianism, and the reigns of five of history’s deadliest dictators.
What makes a country fall to a dictator? How do authoritarian leaders—strongmen—capable of killing millions acquire their power? How are they able to defeat the ideal of democracy? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?
By profiling five of the most notoriously ruthless dictators in history—Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein—Kenneth C. Davis seeks to answer these questions, examining the forces in these strongmen’s personal lives and historical periods that shaped the leaders they’d become.
Meticulously researched and complete with photographs, Strongman provides insight into the lives of five leaders who callously transformed the world and serves as an invaluable resource in an era when democracy itself seems in peril.
★ “History’s warnings reverberate in this gripping read about five dictatorial strongmen. A pitch-perfect balance of nuanced reflection and dire warning.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken Democracy
by Daniel G. Newman; illustrated by George O’Connor
An intriguing and accessible nonfiction graphic novel about the role wealth and influence play in American democracy.
Despite our immense political divisions, Americans are nearly united in our belief that something is wrong with our government: It works for the wealthy and powerful, but not for anyone else. Unrig exposes the twisted roots of our broken democracy and highlights the heroic efforts of those unrigging the system to return power to We the People.
This stirring nonfiction graphic novel by democracy reform leader Daniel G. Newman and artist George O’Connor takes readers behind the scenes—from the sweaty cubicles where senators dial corporate CEOs for dollars, to lavish retreats where billionaires boost their favored candidates, to the map rooms where lawmakers scheme to handpick their voters. Unrig also highlights surprising solutions that limit the influence of big money and redraw the lines of political power.
If you’re overwhelmed by negative news and despairing for the direction of our country, Unrig is a tonic that will restore your faith and reveal the path forward to fix our broken democracy.
Re: Constitutions: Connecting Citizens with the Rules of the Game
by Beka Feathers; illustrated by Kasia Babis
The next volume in the World Citizen Comics series, Re: Constitutions explains the role constitutions play in how government is structured and provides context for the modern issues that arise from these documents.
Marcus is stumped by a summer assignment: to write an essay on what it means to be a citizen. He’s surprised to hear from people in his community that constitutions play an important role when it comes to citizenship—they can even affect whether you feel like you belong in your country or not. From a Kosovo Albanian neighbor to a Rwandan exchange student, and even in his own family history, Marcus discovers stories of how constitutions—including the U.S. Constitution—shape the political landscape and our daily lives.
From Beka Feathers, an expert in post-conflict institution building, and Kasia Babis, an accomplished political cartoonist, comes a graphic novel that gives context to the modern issues that arise from constitutions. With historical examples from all over the world, Re: Constitutions examines how this essential document defines a nation’s identity and the rights of its citizens.
Why the People: The Case for Democracy
Beka Feathers; illustrated by Ally Shwed
This witty and well-argued graphic novel is a must-have for anyone wanting to learn what power “we the people” actually have in a democracy.
Why the people?
Is democracy actually the best form of government? Does it ever work like it’s supposed to?
Join Lin and Julie in the middle of an airport, as they wonder aloud how America can ever be a democracy when citizens seem to disagree about everything. With them, we are whisked through political history, and journey through different systems of power, including monarchy, theocracy, dictatorship and oligarchy.
Beka Feathers and Ally Shwed shine a bright light on power, justice, and the promise of true democracy.
A Firehose of Falsehood: The Story of Disinformation
by Teri Kanefield; illustrated by Pat Dorian
Lies destroy. Disinformation tears at the fabric of democracy.
A Firehose of Falsehood: The Story of Disinformation breaks down disinformation tactics and offers tools for defending and restoring truth.
From Darius I of ancient Persia (522-486 BCE), to blood libel of the Middle Ages, to Soviet disinformation tactics and modern election deniers, Teri Kanefield and Pat Dorian show how tyrants and would-be tyrants deploy disinformation to gain power.
Democracy, which draws its authority from laws instead of the whim of a tyrant, requires truth. For a democracy to survive, its citizens must preserve and defend truth. Now that the Internet has turned what was once a trickle of lies into a firehose, the challenge of holding on to truth has never been greater. A Firehose of Falsehood offers readers these necessary tools.
Born in the USA: The Story of Immigration and Belonging
by Lawrence Goldstone; illustrated by James Otis Smith
WHO BELONGS IN AMERICA? The latest installment of the World Citizen Comics Line, Born in the USA, tracks the history of immigration to the United States, highlighting the twists and turns in the nearly three-hundred year old national debate to decide who gets to call themselves a US citizen.
The words carved into the Statue of Liberty make a simple promise— America will provide a home for anyone in search of a better life. However, the true story of immigration to America is full of complication and caveats.
Born in the USA tracks the history of immigration to the United States, revealing how economic interests and political winds have sculpted Americans’ thoughts about who belongs in the USA. From black enslavement to Chinese exclusion and the modern-day debate over birthright citizenship, Lawrence Goldstone and James Otis Smith reveal the dissonance between the American Dream and the American Reality.
Don’t forget to register to vote!
If you haven’t already, check your state’s voter registration deadline and register to vote today!
If you plan to vote by mail, don’t forget to check your state’s vote-by-mail deadline! USPS recommends mailing in your ballot at least 2 weeks prior to Election Day.
Related Post: Talking to Kids About Current Events
Not sure how to talk to kids about tough topics like how germs spread or why everyone seems so worried and saddened by the news? These books provide an accessible way to talk to kids about those big topics. Learn more about these books here.
