It’s never too early to learn about the importance and power of elections.
Developed by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), for ALA’s “Reader. Voter. Ready.” campaign last year, the Inspiring Future Voters booklist is a collection of titles that will help young people understand the importance of voting, civic engagement, and making their voices heard. At a time when civil liberties are being rolled back for some Americans; library services are in peril; and works about—and by—marginalized communities are being banned, knowing how to use your voice and vote to make a difference is crucial.
ALSC promotes reading and books through recommendations, compilations of lists, and related services. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore these titles to find resources that may match or spark their child’s interest.
The Inspiring Future Voters book list includes fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages, from birth to young adult. Books for birth through grade 8 readers were compiled by ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting committee, and young adult titles were selected by Booklist magazine staff.
Some highlights include:
“Rock That Vote” (2022) by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
This colorful picture book takes young children through the process of voting for a new class pet and encourages them to “Rock That Vote!” The engaging, yet simple, story uses single, descriptive, illustrated words to capture ballot choices, participant emotions, and even navigate disagreement between voters.
“Freedom Summer 1964: Turning Point for Voting Rights” (2024), by Ngeri Nnachi
An overview of the 1964 Freedom Summer movement in which organizers and volunteers protested discrimination against Black voters. The book relays the history of the movement, the results, and why voting rights are still being defended in 2025.
“Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965” (2015), by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Lillian, on her way to vote for the first time, reflects on her family history and the long fight that was waged for her to exercise her constitutional right.
“For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters” (2020), by Jeff Foster, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
Organized around essential questions about how the government and politics function, this accessible nonfiction guide helps demystify the foundations of democracy and build understanding of how to participate in civic life.
“Represent the Unfinished: Fight for the Vote” (2024), by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau
An engaging history of the continued fight for voting rights, investigating the systematic opposition to women’s, Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American suffrage, and those who fought—and work today—for freedom.
“Yes No Maybe So” (2020), by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
When they meet canvassing for the summer, politically indifferent Maya is dismissive about Jamie’s enthusiasm, while awkward Jamie keeps putting his foot in his mouth about Maya’s culture. But despite the miscommunications, a connection starts to bloom.
Subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter! You’ll get monthly updates on library news, advocacy updates, book interviews, book info, and more!
Your support of the American Library Association helps support programs like this and makes a difference in libraries across the U.S. Join us and become an ALA supporter today.
