Election season is in full swing, and while the news cycle is full of talking heads, it can be hard to explain politics and the election process to kids. These new election books for kids teach them about elections, history, and the political process through colorful picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books.

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Ballots for Belva

Written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Courtney A. Martin

This picture book biography shares the life story and accomplishments of Belva Lockwood, a woman who ran for President of the United States. The story follows her life from childhood to adulthood, focusing on her fight for women’s rights, and the many barriers she broke along the way. The illustrations highlight Lockwood’s determination, and the back of the book includes an author’s note, a glossary, and a timeline of Women’s Suffrage in the United States.

Big Ideas That Changed the World: We the People!

Written by Don Brown

This addition to the graphic novel series Big Ideas shares the history of American democracy. The book is narrated by Abigail Adams and it follows the birth of democracy from ancient civilizations through modern times. The illustrations highlight important historical figures and moments in time with a touch of humor. In the back of the book, there is a ton of extra information including timelines, an index, a biography of Abigail Adams, and more.

Related Post: More Election Books for Kids

Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote

Written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

In this addition to the Questioneers chapter book series, readers can follow Sofia Valdez as she helps her teacher Miss Greer to run an election for a new class pet. When a vote goes missing it is up to Sofia and the Questioneers to restore democracy! Kids will love following the beloved characters, and the cute illustrations throughout the book. The back of the book includes information on elections, spotting fake news, and journalism.

Drawing the Vote

Written by Tommy Jenkins and illustrated by Kati Lacker

This graphic novel explores the history of voting rights in the United States. The book starts with a timeline of voting rights in the country’s history, and then each chapter tackles major political events from the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement to Women’s Suffrage and The Voting Rights Act. The back of the book includes a list of websites for voting information in each state, as well as notes of reference for information throughout the book.

Related Post: Overcoming the Election Negativity with Positive Books

The Campaign

Written by Leila Sales and illustrated by Kim Balacuit

This fiction story follows middle schooler Maddie Polansky as she is inspired to fight back against the mayoral candidate’s plan to cut arts funding for her school. She doesn’t believe that she has the power to make a change since she is just a kid, but if she can rally her classmates, can they make the adults in charge listen to them? The back of the book includes a note from the author telling kids how they can get involved in politics and make a difference.

What are your favorite new election books for kids? Share them in the comments below!

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