Picture books can help you teach almost anything! These books are great if you are doing a voting unit or if there is an upcoming election.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other picture books! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
If you like this list of diverse books, you’ll love The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books. There are over 250 books to use in the classroom and home libraries.
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you.
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this list on Bookshop here.
Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamara
The students of Stanton Elementary are out of school because their school is a polling station for the day.
On their day off, the students encourage all of the adults in their community to get out and vote.
The author does a great job explaining key vocabulary words and concepts while telling a story. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The President of the Jungle By Andre Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, and Pedro Markun
Lion is the King of the Jungle. After he reroutes the river to make a pool for his front yard, the other animals have had enough.
They want a new leader.
So they decide to become a democracy and hold an election.
Monkey, Sloth, and Snake quickly sign up to be candidates.
While reading this book, kids will learn about campaigns, rallies, debates, election rules, and voting, of course! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Deborah Diesen
In Equality’s Call, the reader learns the history of voting rights in the United States using rhyme and rhythm. Kids will learn how voting began and who has been disenfranchised throughout history. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Sofia Valdez Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
This is the latest addition to the The Questioneers Series and Sofia fits right in!
Sofia sees a problem in her community and she learns there’s a presidential way to solve it. Bookshop Affiliate Link
FANNIE LOU HAMER: SPIRIT OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT BY CAROLE BOSTON WEATHERFORD
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a civil rights leader who was determined to make a change. Her story is heartbreaking, but it was why she refused to let the brutality of racism continue.
This is an excellent book that I highly recommend for parents and teachers to read. This book contains content and language that is more appropriate for older elementary/middle school students. You should use your best judgment if you’re reading this to your students. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
Grace loses her cool when she finds out that the United States has never elected a female president. Ever.
So, her teacher has a class president election, and of course, Grace is all in! She thinks it will be a breeze until the popular Thomas Cobb decides to enter the race.
Grace learns that she’ll have work for the votes!
If you’re looking for a book to teach the branches of government, I highly recommend Grace Goes to Washington! It is EXCELLENT! Bookshop Affiliate Link
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Lillian is a 100 year old women who finally gets the right to vote. On her way to the polls she passes by all her family members that attempted to vote in the past.
Lillian’s Right to Vote would pair really well with Equality’s Call. Bookshop Affiliate Link
For more diverse picture books, check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books. There are tons of books to help you build your diverse classroom or home library!