Vote for Our Future! by Margaret McNamara (review)

McNamara, Margaret Vote for Our Future!; illus. by Micah Player. Schwartz & Wade, 2020 [34p] Library ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-9281-2 $20.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-9280-5 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-9848-9282-9 $10.99 Reviewed from galleys R 4-7 yrs

McNamara's picture book contribution to the 2020 Election season is an inspiration for civic engagement for kids more than a decade away from voting age. The children at Stanton Elementary always get voting day off, as their school serves as a polling station. This year's a little different, as the young activists do some research on U.S. enfranchisement and then take to their neighborhood with nonpartisan get-out-the-vote messaging. It seems like every adult has some reason to stay home on voting day: one dad didn't realize there was an election; one big sister wasn't registered; one lady doesn't like standing in lines; one grandma doesn't feel mobile enough to make it this year. To every cavil the kids respond with a polite, compelling answer and a practical override: here's the date, here's how to register, the line's no longer than the coffee house line, and rides are provided to the poll. Player's digitally rendered multicultural cast of kids and adult complainers variously bubble with enthusiasm or grimace with bad attitude, and the adults frowning over the necessary recount cross age, gender, and ethnicity borders as well. End matter comprises a précis of eight Acts of Congress, from the establishment of the Postal Service, to the Americans with Disabilities Act, "that made the future better."