Leo’s First Vote!

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.