Enjoy this book Leo’s First Vote! by Christina Soontornvat & Isabel Roxas

Leo’s First Vote! by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Isabel Roxas, is an engaging and thoughtful picture book about the significance of voting, written in a way that is accessible to children.

Story Summary:

The book follows Leo, a young child, and his father as they prepare for their very first elections. Leo's dad has recently become a U.S. citizen, and for the first time, he has the opportunity to vote. At the same time, Leo's classroom is organizing a mock presidential election, where the students can cast votes just like adults.

The story explores the father and son’s preparation for the elections by watching debates, reading about candidates, and discussing the importance of voting. Through this process, Leo learns the value of making informed decisions when it comes to choosing a leader.

Family Discussions: In the story, the family discusses various candidates and their policies, helping both Leo and his father better understand the significance of being active and educated voters.

Challenges: Leo experiences doubt when a cousin mentions that individual votes don’t really matter, planting the seed of uncertainty about the value of participating in elections. This internal conflict is an important part of the story, as it reflects a real-world sentiment that some people share about the electoral process.

Resolution: In the end, Leo finds out just how much a single vote can matter during the classroom’s mock election. The results of the mock election prove that every vote counts, reinforcing the lesson that voting is not only a civic duty but also a powerful tool for change.

Themes and Messages:

Civic Engagement: The book emphasizes the importance of being involved in democracy from an early age. It shows that voting is a way to make your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future.

Inclusivity and Representation: The story highlights the experiences of immigrants who become citizens and gain the right to vote, providing representation for those who have worked hard to participate in the democratic process.

Empowerment: Through Leo’s journey, readers see that even young children can understand the value of voting, and that everyone’s vote is important, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

Educational Components:

The book includes additional information at the end, such as:

Who Can Vote: A breakdown of voter eligibility and the requirements for voting.

How Elections Work: Details on the voting process, including where, when, and how to vote.

Electoral Process: Simplified explanations of how presidential elections are structured and why the process matters.

Illustrations:

Isabel Roxas’ illustrations add warmth and vibrancy to the book, capturing the emotional and educational moments shared between Leo and his family. The illustrations support the narrative by portraying the father and son's shared experience, helping young readers visualize what voting looks like and how important it is in everyday life.

Overall, Leo’s First Vote! is a thoughtful, engaging story that not only teaches children about the importance of voting but also showcases the emotional and civic pride that comes with participating in one's first election.