cover image Give Us the Vote! Over 200 Years of Fighting for the Ballot

Give Us the Vote! Over 200 Years of Fighting for the Ballot

Susan Goldman Rubin. Holiday House, $19.99 (128p) ISBN 978-0-8234-3957-7

Rubin (Coco Chanel) presents a detailed history of voting in America and the numerous battles to garner this right for people other than white, male property owners. Although the topics skip back and forth chronologically, historical photos and straightforward text provide clear explanations for how the framers of the Constitution set things up, as well as more contemporary issues of gerrymandering and voting rights for women, Native Americans, African-Americans, and young people. Rubin’s factual narrative highlights the systemic racism that influenced the Constitution, was rampant in the women’s suffrage movement, and still plays a large part in elections and voting laws today; he also recounts the extreme sacrifices and harrowing brutality experienced by many involved in movements to win equal voting rights for all. Readers will gain an understanding of the importance of voting in elections, both local and national. A timeline of voting rights in the U.S. and a section showing relevant Constitutional amendments enhance this timely, eye-opening resource’s appeal. Ages 10–up. [em](Feb.) [/em]