Divided into 29 two-page chapters, America Votes is a well-written, easy-to-understand introduction to one of our most precious rights. Granfield begins with a bit of history about voting in general. In the chapter titled "Voices Finally Heard," she offers brief bios of four suffragettes: Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Bloomer, and Susan B. Anthony.

Readers will learn about ballots, voting machines, referendums, the electoral college, presidential responsibilities, debates, and more.

In one particularly interesting chapter titled "Animal Farm," Granfield explains terms such as underdog, dark horse, lame duck, and others.

The author does an exceptionally fine job of making the book kid-friendly. Listen, for example, to the introduction of the chapter titled "Let’s Have a Party":

What do you think of when you hear the word "party"? Balloons, fantastic food, music and friends? You can find all of these things during an election, but you’ll also find other kinds of parties—political parties.

The U.S. Constitution doesn't mention political parties. George Washington, our first president, was not elected in a national political contest. Instead, he was chosen unanimously by the electoral college (see page 28).

By the end of Washington's first four-year term, two strong political parties were developing. Over the years, other parties formed as people became unhappy with what they saw and heard in government. Each party tends to draw strong support from different regions of the country. Members of all political parties have constantly challenged each other to step forward with new ideas and fresh solutions.

In addition to the text, there is appended a glossary and a well-done index.

America Votes is top-notch non-fiction: chock full of accurate information, written in an engaging and lively style, and illustrated perfectly with colorful cartoons throughout.

Classroom Uses: Well-suited for independent leisure reading, report writing, and reference.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis.
©2003 Education Oasis® http://www.educationoasis.com