On August 26, 1920, U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Every year, Women's Equality Day is celebrated on August 26th to commemorate the importance of the day. In the following picture books, mothers and grandmothers take their daughters and granddaughters along with them to polls, to show the children the importance of exercising this hard-won right.

 The Walk: (A Stroll to the Poll) by Winsome Bingham. illus. by E.B. Lewis. Abrams. ISBN 9781419747724. 
K-Gr 2–Granny tells her granddaughter that she is taking them on “The Walk,” but they have to pick up a few souls on the way. The picture book’s narrator is confused but joins her grandmother in gathering people from the neighborhood to make the long walk to the voting booth. VERDICT Gorgeous writing paired with luminous art combined with an impactful message make this work an essential purchase.

The Big Day by Terry Lee Caruthers. illus. by Robert Casilla. Star Bright. ISBN 9781595729132. 
K-Gr 2–Tansy and Big Mama are preparing for a big day; they get dressed and head to the voting ward. Based on the life of Agnes Sadler, the book highlights the long fight for voting rights for every person in the United States even after Sadler’s vote. VERDICT This story based on real events may launch in-depth discussions about voting and other civil rights.

[Read: Booklists and Resources for Women’s Equality Day and Year-Round ] 

Show Up and Vote by Ani DiFranco. illus. by Rachelle Baker. Penguin Workshop/Rise X. ISBN 9780593383773. 
K-Gr 3–It’s an important day in November, rainy and cold, but a young girl’s mother tells her that they must go out because they have a “mission” to fulfill. Her mama explains voting is where all people have a say about improving their communities, but only if they vote. VERDICT An important, accessible read for young readers and a must for all collections.

Your Voice, Your Vote by Leah Henderson. illus. by Keisha Morris. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780062986115. 
K-Gr 3–A celebration of voting begins as Quetta waits impatiently for her mother to arrive home on Election Day. Quetta is excited to join her mother and grandmother on their journey to vote. VERDICT A child’s-eye view of the voting experience that highlights the joys and frustrations of making one’s voice heard.