Eleanor Roosevelt’s book on citizenship for young people now revised and updated for a contemporary audience.
If this past election didn't get parents and kids talking, then the upcoming 2020 election will. Ever since Trump took office, we have made a point to talk about politics in our house, and show the girls why it is important to not sit back when it comes to election time. They have a voice and when they are old enough a responsibility not only to themselves, but their country, to vote. I was so happy to see so many kids get into the mid-term elections in November and see schools (both public and homeschool families) talking about the importance of these elections and what the outcomes meant. This was a great way to teach children, even young ones, about the different branches of government and what each branch does. I spent an entire month teaching my girls about the branches of government, and by the end of our lesson, the girls were able to tell me who were in each brand, how long their terms were, what they roles and responsibilities were, etc. The girls really got into it, and sat with my husband and I to watch the votes come in and be tallied. They got to see more women take seats in the senate and be elected to local government. What a great time for women, and a long one coming. I truly hope that when my girls are out in the workforce that there will not be a barrier for them to try and climb to be looked at equally, or be paid equally. But, that also will come down to who is in office in each of the branches of government, and how votes are cast. If people sit back and expect others to vote for them, then we will have what happened in the 2016 election happen again. And, I know many people don't want to see that.
As part of my homeschooling with the girls on the branches of government last month, I shared a book with them, that I wanted you to know about, as my girls loved it, and continue to pick it up and read it on their own. The book, "How Our Government Works for You: When You Grow Up to Vote" by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel. This book is perfect
Here is more about this book:
"In the voice of one of the most iconic and beloved political figures of the twentieth century comes a book on citizenship for the future voters of the twenty-first century. Eleanor Roosevelt published the original edition of When You Grow Up to Vote in 1932, the same year her husband was elected president.
The new edition has updated information and back matter as well as fresh, bold art from award-winning artist Grace Lin.
Beginning with government workers like firefighters and garbage collectors, and moving up through local government to the national stage, this book explains that the people in government work the voter.
Fresh, contemporary, and even fun, When You Grow Up to Vote is the book parents and teachers need to talk to children about how our government is designed to work."
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It is amazing how a book written back in 1932 is so important, especially in preparing today and future generations to vote, by talking to them about the government (from local government right on up to the President of the USA). Government is explained in a way that kids of all ages can understand...all while making it fun, too! Yes, learning about government can be fun, as it is like a puzzle. Everyone person in the USA has a role, either as a citizen who votes, or those who are elected or hold offices in government. They all come together to make the government run, and keep America a democracy for the people, by the people.
This is definitely one of those books I will continue to share with my girls, and pull out during mid-term and presidential elections, to remind the girls the importance of voting, so that once they are old enough to vote, they will vote and help put people, both men and women into governing roles, to better our country. If you own one book about the government that you share with your kids, let it be this one. It has been around since 1932, and this revised and updated copy really is well put together, and will grow with your kids.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She also served as First Lady of New York, on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. She died in 1962.
Grace Lin is a New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator whose books include the Newbery Honor-winning Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Dumpling Days. She was recognized at the White House as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling. She lives in Florence, Massachusetts.
Michelle Markel has written many picture books for children including Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 and Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead. She lives in West Hills, California.
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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