The activism, heroic efforts, and ongoing struggles for the right to vote are chronicled by an award-winning nonfiction author.
For over 200 years, people have marched, risked their lives, and even died trying to get the right to vote in the United States. Others, hungry to acquire or hold onto power, have gone to extraordinary lengths to prevent people from casting ballets or outright stolen votes and sometimes entire elections.
Perfect for students who want to know more about voting rights, this nonfiction book contains an extensive view of suffrage from the Founding Fathers to the 19th Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to today's voter suppression controversies, and explains the barriers people of color, Indigenous people, and immigrants face. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, texts of the Constitution and amendments, a timeline, and an index.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Selected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase
"Accessible, journalistic text covers a good deal of all-things-election, including the history of suffrage extended beyond white, male landowners—and many documented stories of fraud, violence, and corruption carried out by both major parties over the years. . . . Pithy and worthwhile."—Kirkus Reviews
"Give Us the Vote! is an invaluable resource on the development of the U.S. voting process that offers a plethora of avenues for discussion on every page. . . . A reminder of how priceless voting is, Give Us the Vote! displays how vital it is to protect the right from those determined to suppress it."—Shelf Awareness
"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." —Publishers Weekly
"Rubin distills and organizes a great deal of information into an engaging, accessible narrative that seems particularly pertinent in a presidential election year. Quotes from different eras and movements help readers sense the moods and attitudes of various historical periods, while well-chosen photos, drawings, paintings, and political cartoons illustrate the presentation. A concise, informative introduction to voting rights in America."—Booklist
"Each chapter is filled with primary source photographs, political cartoons, and illustrations that help bring the information to life. The final chapter touches on ways young people have gotten involved in activism in recent history, and will likely motivate some readers to find ways to get involved in the political system. . . . An intriguing look at the struggles faced by voters in the United States through history and into modern times." —School Library Journal
"The sheer depth of information combines with a timeline of voting rights in the United States and text from the Constitution and amendments to create an impressive resource for students who seek information on the history of voting and elections in the United States." —School Library Connection
