With big election just around the corner it feels like that is what is on our minds, on the news, and being talked about around children more than most things. Kids want to know more and reading books is a great way to open a door to conversations. Below are some great children’s books about voting, elections, presidents and more.
affiliate links are included below.
15+ Children’s Books about Politics
Below are a collection of amazing books to read aloud to a group, share with your child, or have on your shelves. We have read and loved each and every one.
10 Picture Books about Voting and Elections
1. Vote for Me!
by Ben Clanton
Donkey and Elephant are both running (for what they don’t say) and they want your vote! Their tactics quickly turn negative in this hilarious read aloud that actually made my son tip out of his chair. The adults will love the obvious commentary on our modern day politics. The kids will recognize the silly ineffective arguing strategies employed by the two candidates. Everyone will love the surprise ending.
2. Grace for President
by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
When Grace learns that there has never been a woman President she is determined to jumpstart her own political career by running for class President. Along the way she learns a lot of about elections and determination. Fun and thought provoking.
3. Vote!
by Eileen Christelow
If you’re looking for a book to explain voting to kids this is a great one to start with for kindergarten and up. Christelow walks you through the general voting process with the example of a mayoral race. The comic book style story balances nicely with the straightforward text.
4. Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights
by Rob Sanders
illustrated by Jared Andrew Schorr
The rally cry on the inside flap reads “Every voice matters, no matter how small. It’s time to make a difference.” That spirit flows through this book. I was expecting this to be multicultural and positive. I was expecting this to offer simple and kid friendly ways to make a difference. I was expecting it to be good. It’s not, it’s great. I was not expecting the subtle alphabet book that must have taken extreme effort to nail but reads effortlessly. I was not expecting to feel so moved to stand up and do something when I was done. The text is brief but powerful. The message is easy but empowering. An important book to read aloud for the times our children are growing up in.
5. Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America
by Deborah Diesen
illustrated by Magdalena Mora
A book that calls attention to voting in America seems incredibly relevant right now. My mom often told us as kids that voting was a right that we shouldn’t take for granted. This book has that same message as it’s under tone. It shares the story of how although voting was written into the constitution it took a long time for voting for all citizens to be realized. The lyrical text and warm illustrations are filled with energy and the quiet power of history. A great one to share aloud in November with children in classrooms and libraries.
6. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts
One of our favorites from the series of books by Beaty and Roberts. We love the whole series but my kids found this one particularly empowering. In it Sofia sees an issue in her community and works to take on all of City Hall on her own – a second grader! Rhyming, delightful, and so inspiring.
7. Lambslide
by Ann Patchett
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
This is a goofy story about a herd of lambs that mishear a conversation (sound like every kid ever?) and assume that a little girl’s discussion about an election is about them. They mistake “landslide” for “lambslide” and can’t get over the idea. Their mother encourages them to make it happen and what follows is a farm animal version of voting and politics.
8. V is for Voting
by Kate Farrell and Caitlin Kuhwald
This book on voting is perfect to read aloud. It is an alphabet book that walks you through the abcs while rhyming and sharing a lot about voting, democracy, civil rights and more. The illustrations depict a diverse range of people with bold, beautiful artwork. Thoughtful, engaging, and energetic.
9. Vote for Our Future
by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player
Kids can’t vote but they are greatly affected by each election. This book empowers kids to get involved in the election season by encouraging and supporting their adults to vote. It is practical but also so encouraging and uplifting. The sparse text is great for reading aloud and well crafted. The illustrations pop and pull you into the story. I love the diversity of people and ideas. I love the way it involves kids not just educates them. A must read for any election season.
10. Lift As You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker
by Patricia Hruby Powell
illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
This is the story of Ella Baker, a civil rights activist. Inspiring and beautiful, this tells the story of a strong and focused woman. This one is best for first graders and up, but it is well paced, poetic, and inspiring. I’m including it on this list because Ella worked hard to register voters and convince Black Americans that it would help them have a voice.
7 Picture Books about Presidents & People in Politics
1. When Penny Met POTUS
by Rachel Ruiz
This book is fantastic. Truly. It is the story of a girl named Penny who goes to work with her mom who has an important job at the White House. Penny is excited to meet POTUS who she imagines to be some sort of burly, impressive monster type creature. Wandering the halls searching for POTUS she meets the real President. I love the girl power in this book, but I also love the element of surprise and Penny’s fantastic imagination.
2. Madam President
by Lane Smith
This is another hilarious book to read aloud. It share fun concepts and vocabulary about being President but through the imagination of a little girl in her home. If you love Lane Smith you will love this.
3. The Next President
by Kate Messner and Adam Rex
This is a great nonfiction book for kids who love biographies and books about history. It shares fun and surprising things about where presidents were and what they did before being president. It leaves you with “So where’s the next President?”
4. Madame President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics
by Catherine Thimmesh
This is a book that combines a bit of story about a little girl who wants to be president with brief biographies of women in politics in the US and around the world. It is a good overview that is best for 6+.
6. Joey: The Story of Joe Biden
by Jill Biden with Kathleen Krull
illustrated by Amy June Bates
This is a rather thorough overview of Joe Biden’s life from childhood to running for President. I think kids will enjoy relating to him as a boy and I adore the illustrations. The denser text and more traditional approach to biography lends this book better for elementary schoolers.
7. Our White House: Looking in Looking Out
Created by 108 Renowned Authors and Illustrators
I recommend this one for early elementary schoolers and up. It is an impressive collection of stories, illustrations, comics, and photographs about American history. This was created by some of the best writers and illustrators in the children’s books world. A wonderful collection to share.
