This straightforward yet powerful book teaches children about the need and satisfaction of joining in with our fundamental human right, in every democracy, to cast our own vote. This book tells the simple yet meaningful story of a young girl remembering how, in an urban neighborhood, her mother brought her with her to vote. It is written in an unassuming yet engaging style, using a subtle and complex rhyming pattern. The artwork is also straightforward yet powerful. The softened reality aligns well with the memories of the story, reminding me of the excellent — and moving — illustrations children’s books all seemed to share once upon a time.

Coming close to an election, the book offers a plain yet emotional plea to remember: “I thought about everyone working together, I thought about each person doing their part, I thought about people looking out for each other, and how showing up to vote is how it all starts.” Too often, the powerful sometimes seem to try to convince us that it doesn’t matter if or how we vote — but they are all liars; I can understand how they might feel threatened by this, our simplest yet greatest democratic power. Every child would benefit if this book were assigned reading in every classroom. This book is so well done, so meaningful, and so perfect, that I feel it is the Platonic Ideal of the term, “instant classic.” I highly recommend this book for purchase by every library, every school, and every home — everywhere democracy’s light still shines.

This is a lovely book telling about Kamala Harris’ childhood, college, law school, marriage, and her efforts as a prosecutor, District Attorney, and Attorney General of California. It notes how she worked to protect victims, including women and children. Phrases like “first woman,” “first Black woman,” “First Asian American” and so forth appear on nearly every page. It also tells of her becoming the U.S. Vice President — but since it was first published in 2021, it doesn’t discuss her running for President. Yet, the little facts about her life, like her college sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, founded in 1908.

My little ones enjoyed the story about her childhood protest to allow children to play on the lawns of the apartment building she lived in, while going through junior high and high school, in Canada. The illustrations are helpful and filled with warmth, just like she is. My whole family found this Little Golden Book inspiring — including the shining example of service she has shown us throughout her life.